Bushmills 21 Year Old is a rare single malt Irish whiskey from Northern Ireland's Old Bushmills Distillery, aged for at least 19 years in former Oloroso sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks, then married and transferred into Madeira casks for a further two years. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
The three-cask maturation gives Bushmills 21 its remarkable depth. The bourbon casks lend sweetness and vanilla, the Oloroso sherry casks add rich dried fruit, and the final two years in Madeira casks bring a layer of spice and wine-like elegance. It was named Best Irish Single Malt in 2013 and received a rare 96 points from Whisky Advocate.
The result has huge depth, interweaving dried fruit flavours with a spicy, aromatic maltiness and subtle nutty raisin notes, with dark chocolate and toffee along the way and a rich finish that seems never to end.
Bushmills has made whiskey on the banks of the River Bush since the seventeenth century, and the 1608 date on the label nods to its licence to distil. The 21 Year Old is one of its most treasured releases, a superb gift for a 21st birthday and a highlight of any Irish whiskey collection.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Dried fruit and spicy, aromatic malt.
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Palate: Nutty raisin, dark chocolate and toffee.
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Finish: Rich and seemingly never-ending.
Specifications
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Producer: Old Bushmills Distillery
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Style: Single Malt Irish Whiskey
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Age: 21 years
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, finished 2 years in Madeira casks
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Region: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat in a tulip glass and let it open for a few minutes. It pairs with dark chocolate, fruit cake or a cheese board, and makes a classic gift for a 21st birthday or a milestone anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Bushmills 21 matured?
At least 19 years in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, then two years in Madeira casks.
What awards has it won?
It was named Best Irish Single Malt in 2013 and received 96 points from Whisky Advocate.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 40% ABV, or 80 proof.
Explore more in our Irish Whiskey collection.
