Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Single Malt Irish Whiskey | 40% ABV (80 Proof) | 750 mL

Process & Profile

Bushmills 21 Year Old is one of the most prestigious whiskeys in the Bushmills range and a benchmark for luxury Irish single malt. Distilled from 100% malted barley and triple-distilled in copper pot stills, it undergoes an extraordinary aging process. The whiskey first spends 19 years maturing in a combination of hand-selected ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks. It is then married together and finished for an additional 2 years in Madeira wine casks, a unique technique that gives the whiskey its hallmark depth and character. The result is a rare single malt with layers of sweetness, spice, fruit, and refined oak, crafted at Irelands oldest licensed distillery, dating back to 1608.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep mahogany, reflecting its long maturation and Madeira influence.

• Nose: Honeyed sweetness with notes of dried fruit, figs, raisins, roasted nuts, and sweet hazelnuts, lifted by warm spice and oak.

• Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of dark chocolate, raisins, toffee, vanilla bean, citrus peel, and roasted malt. The Madeira casks introduce red berry richness alongside balanced sherry depth.

• Finish: Exceptionally long and elegant, with a lingering interplay of sweet fruit, chocolate, oak spice, and delicate nuttiness.

What Makes It Special

• Aged for 21 years, making it one of the oldest whiskeys in the Bushmills lineup.

• Rare triple cask aging system: bourbon, sherry, and Madeira.

• Produced in limited annual batches, enhancing collectibility.

• Recognized internationallyhighly rated by critics and whiskey publications.

• Represents the pinnacle of Bushmills craftsmanship and Irish single malt tradition.

How to Enjoy

This whiskey is best appreciated neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass to fully explore its layered aromatics. A drop of water can help reveal additional fruit and chocolate notes. It pairs beautifully with rich foods like dark chocolate desserts, aged cheeses, or roasted lamb, and also works as an after-dinner pour with a fine cigar. Given its rarity and prestige, it is often purchased as a luxury gift or as a centerpiece bottle in a connoisseurs collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ABV of Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey?
   Bushmills 21 Year Old is bottled at 40% ABV, or 80 proof.

2. How is Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey aged?
   It spends 19 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks before being finished for 2 years in Madeira casks.

3. Why is Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt considered rare and collectible?
   This whiskey is released in very limited batches each year, undergoes a unique Madeira finish, and represents one of the oldest expressions from Bushmills, making it highly sought after by collectors and Irish whiskey fans.

4. What are the flavor notes of Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey?
   Expect honey, dried fruit, figs, raisins, roasted nuts, chocolate, toffee, vanilla, oak spice, and a long, refined finish.

5. Is Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey a good gift?
   Yes, due to its 21-year age statement, triple cask maturation, and reputation as a premium Irish whiskey, it is often purchased as a luxury gift or celebratory bottle.