Whiskey Review: Bushmills 15 Year Old UK Limited Edition

The Irish whiskey category is growing rapidly, with the liquid becoming highly sought-after in both domestic and foreign markets. Bushmills Irish Whiskey sits at the forefront of said market, alongside brand such as Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., and, Teeling.

Bushmills is one of the oldest distilleries in the world. However, this is not stopping the team at the distillery pushing for innovation and trying their hand at experimental finishing, like the kind that can be seen in the Bushmills 15 Year Old. The whisky was initially matured in first and second-fill ex-bourbon, before undergoing a 12-month fini8shing period in cognac casks. This is in contrast to Bushmills’ usual sherried expressions.

Upon the release of this limited edition Bushmills 15 Year Old Irish Single Malt Whiskey, Master Blender Alex Thomas said: “We’ve approached this 15 Year Old in a really experimental way, using whiskey aged only in bourbon barrels to give a wonderful vanilla sweetness. Then we’ve layered on complex fruity notes from the finest oak casks sourced from the ancient forests of central France and used to age rare cognac by a small family-run cognac maker.”

A Brief History of Bushmills

Bushmills Irish Whiskey, one of the world’s oldest distilleries, has roots dating back to 1608, when Sir Thomas Phillips was granted a license to distill in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Established in 1784, the Bushmills Old Distillery has continuously produced whiskey, gaining a reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

The distillery’s signature style, defined by a triple distillation process, results in a smooth, light whiskey—a hallmark of Irish whiskey. Despite numerous challenges, including Prohibition in the United States and economic hardships, the brand has remained resilient. In 2005, Diageo acquired the distillery, further enhancing its global presence.

Today, the range includes offerings such as Bushmills Black Bush, a 10 Year Old, and a 16 Year Old. The brand also produces limited edition cask finish expressions and high-age single malts, such as the Bushmills 15 Year Old Irish Single Malt Whiskey reveiwed here.