Whiskey Review: Bushmills 25 Year Old

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

In February of this year, Bushmills Distillery released Bushmills 25 Year Old and 30 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskeys. This review focuses on the 25 Year Old, which along with the 30 Year Old, are Bushmill’s latest expressions to join their global range of single malts. With an abundance of stock to draw from, Bushmill’s claims the distinction of being the only whiskey producer in Ireland able to annually release such ultra-rare, high age statement expressions.

Bushmills has adhered to traditional methods of single malt production for centuries, inevitably  earning the distinction of being the largest producer of Irish single malt whiskey in the world. The over 400-year-old Old Bushmills Distillery, located in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Although there wasn’t a dedicated brick-and-mortar space dedicated to distilling, in 1608 Sir Thomas Phillipps began establishing brand awareness of ‘Bushmills’ whiskey after being granted a license by King James I to distill whiskey in the area.

The Old Bushmills Distillery was eventually founded in 1784 by Hugh Anderson, who formed the first Bushmills Whiskey Company, becoming its first officially registered owner. 

Bushmills 25 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey is one of the newest additions to Bushmills’ permanent range of single malt expressions. Bottled at 92 proof without chill filtration this small batch whiskey consists of a 100% Irish barley mash bill that’s aged for almost six years in bourbon barrels and sherry butts before finishing in first-fill ruby port pipe European oak casks for another 21 years. The water used to cut their whiskey comes from a tributary of the River Bush, which is sourced from the Antrim Hills and flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

In fact, the name Bushmills is a combination of the river itself and the local barley mills, which resided close to the 33.5 mile river, that initially supplied the distillery.

According to Bushmills Distillery’s official tasting notes, the Bushmills 25 Year Old is, “Bursting with intense dark fruit flavor and a luxurious honey sweetness on the nose. Simply luxurious on the palette – sweet almond tones give way to caramelized fruit, developing into rich dark chocolate mingled with sweet spices.”

Bushmill’s Master Distiller Colum Egan had this to say about these latest releases, “When we started planning these two new whiskeys over 30 years ago, we traveled all over Europe to hand-select each cask. We collaborated with winemakers to specify the fortified wine recipe used to season them to create the flavours of Bushmills 25 Year Old Single Malt.” It is currently available in limited quantities throughout the US with a recommended SRP of $900 for a 700ml bottle. It will become available worldwide sometime within the next few months.

We review Bushmills 25 Year Old, one of the oldest and newest expressions in Bushmills’ permanent range of Irish single malt expressions. (image via Bushmills)

Tasting Notes: Bushmills 25 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Vital Stats: 92 proof (46% ABV), 100% Irish barley mash bill, 700ml SRP $900. 

Appearance: Tawny.

Nose: Initial notes on the nose include light caramel, orchard fruit, and citrusy oak, all rounded out by hints of rich dark chocolate, sweet buttery almonds, and a touch of molasses. 

Palate: The low burn on the palate offers flavors of sweet green pepper, walnuts, dark cherries, and rich dark chocolate, with hints of molasses and polished leather.