SHORT REVIEW: Bushmills 12 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Produced by the Old Bushmills Distillery in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), Bushmills 12 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey is aged for 11 years in ex-bourbon American White Oak barrels and ex-Oloroso Sherry casks before being blended together and allowed to marry for 6 to 9 months in ex-Marsala wine casks. It is made from 100% malted Irish barley and is 3x-distilled in 3 handmade copper pot stills. The master blender is Alex Thomas.

As with all my tasting notes reviews, I do multiple (at least 3, usually many more) notes-taking sessions spaced out over time to account for possible changes after the bottle’s been opened. For this review, I used both Glencairn and Stölzle Lausitz Whisky Nosing glasses.

COLOR: Amber/Gold

NOSE: Very fruit forward & light profile – Light orchard fruits (pears & peaches), dried fruits (raisins & dried apples), pineapple, vanilla, honeyed butterscotch, honeyed cereals, strawberry, & banana.

PALATE: Mirrors the nose – Fruity & honeyed cereals/grains with the same fruits as on the nose followed by a substantial hit of pot spice and black pepper that brings some heat, creamy dark chocolate, & hazelnuts like a dark chocolate Nutella.

FINISH: Fairly short (5-6 seconds)

MOUTHFEEL: Medium buttery/oily (not as creamy as Redbreast 12 Year)

VALUE: Enjoyable Irish whisky that’s fruity and light but also nicely pot spiced. Enjoyable Irish whisky that’s fruity and light but also nicely pot spiced. If you already “don’t like” Irish whiskies, this won’t convert you, but if you’re a fan of them, this is a nice one.

ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Yes, this will be one of the Irish whiskies I always make sure to have a bottle of.