Skip to content
It looks like you may be outside North or South America. Would you like to go to your regional Bushmills website?
Visit Regional Site | Stay on Bushmills.com
Icon image

Are you of legal drinking age?

ABOUT US

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

About Bushmills® Whiskey

As the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, we've been crafting Irish whiskey our own way since 1608. No distillery in Ireland or worldwide has carried forward this tradition from ancient times. While some of our Irish whiskey recipes date back before Prohibition, we also offer a wide range of age-stated core products for every whiskey drinker, from blended whiskeys to triple-distilled single malts.

Bushmills® Original Whiskey
Approachable yet versatile, this signature blended whiskey recipe dates back before Prohibition. Combining our pure single malt whiskey and a lighter grain whiskey, you'll notice its rich, smooth, warming taste almost instantly, just as generations have done before — making it an excellent choice for those new to Irish whiskey or looking for the best Irish whiskey for beginners.


Bushmills® Black Bush Whiskey
Another signature blended whiskey, this bottle marries a high amount of malt whiskey with a lighter grain whiskey, and matures in former Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. Defined by its intense character and unique smoothness, this is best enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a crafted cocktail.


Bushmills® Single Malt Whiskey
Triple distilled and made exclusively from 100% malted barley, each bottle — from 10 YO Single Malt to 21 YO Single Malt — captures the essence of time, tradition, and unwavering dedication to the craft. Single malt whiskey also has a distinct taste, where robust fruit or spice flavors emerge from artful maturation techniques.

Find a retailer near you with our Store Locator. And, as always, Bushmills® is available for online purchase with delivery right to your door.

Shipping is available only in the United States, excluding AL, AK, AR, HI, MA, MI, MS, TN, and UT.

Shop any of our blended Irish whiskeys or award-winning single malts online and get them delivered right to your door. Shipping is available only in the United States, excluding AL, AK, AR, HI, MA, MI, MS, TN, and UT.

Between our Private Reserve Collection of small-batch single malt whiskey, and our Rare Cask series that stores some of the world's most elusive casks, Bushmills® has an unrivaled range of Irish whiskey. Discover our latest releases by shopping the collections online, and get notified when limited-edition expressions drop by subscribing to our newsletter.

Shipping not available outside the continental U.S. Use our Store Locator to find a retailer stocking Bushmills® near you.

Experience our heritage and craft firsthand at the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery by booking a Bushmills whiskey distillery tour and tasting in Ireland.

Bushmills Distillery Tour Booking & Experiences
Check online for availability and bookings.

Address:
2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim BT57 8XH

The Bushmills Giftshop & 1608 Bar Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Children under 8 years of age are not permitted to join the guided tour. Children under 18 years of age are not permitted to accompany parents into the Premium Tasting. Groups of 12+ may book in advance, subject to availability.

Please contact Distillery.tours@bushmills.com to inquire about availability.

Whiskey Education

We recommend you start with a neat whiskey, preferably single malt, to savor the distinct flavor profiles in small sips. If you're new to whiskey, or single malts, you might also add water or ice to open up the spirit.

Smooth enough to enjoy as is, our Bushmills® 12 Year Single Malt is a good whiskey to drink neat. Or, if you're looking for an older expression with a more complex palate, try Bushmills® 16 Year Single Malt.

Due to its high alcohol content, an unopened bottle never spoils. However, once opened, oxygen exposure can have an impact on the whiskey's quality. It's best to store in a cool, dark space upright, such as a bar cabinet. Even when opened, Bushmills® Irish whiskey can last for many years, but we recommend you enjoy within the first year or two before external factors can impact the quality of your drink.

To get the most out of any high-end whiskey, proper storage is key—especially once the bottle is open. Keep it upright, sealed tightly, and stored at room temperature (15–20°C) in a cool, dark place like a bar cabinet. Avoid direct sunlight or drastic temperature changes, which can compromise flavor over time.

While a decanter can add a touch of elegance to your pour, it's not ideal for long-term storage unless it's airtight. The goal is to protect the whiskey from excess light and oxygen—so every sip tastes as rich and complex as it should.

Ireland is the birthplace of whiskey as we know it today, and Bushmills® is inextricably linked to its origin story. Distilling techniques trace back to Irish monks in the 12th century, but it's in the village of Bushmills, on the rugged Northern Irish coast, where whiskey became a legacy.

As the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, Bushmills® has helped shape the identity of Irish whiskey for over 400 years. We perfected the art of triple distillation—now a hallmark of smoothness in high-end whiskey—and continue to set the standard with our award-winning single malts and signature blends.

From our home in County Antrim to glasses around the world, every bottle of Bushmills® carries the character, craft, and spirit of Ireland. Experience it firsthand and book a whiskey distillery tour at the Old Bushmills Distillery, located in Northern Ireland.

While both are made from grain and aged in oak, Scotch and Irish whiskey reflect the distinct traditions of their homelands—starting with how they're crafted.

Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled for exceptional smoothness. The first to do this was Bushmills® back in 1608. Our Single Malt Irish Whiskey is made with 100% malted barley, while our signature blended whiskey combines that same rich malt with lighter grain whiskey. The result is a spirit that's smoother, often slightly sweeter, and highly approachable.

Scotch, made exclusively in Scotland, is usually distilled twice and often dried over peat fires, giving it a bolder, smokier flavor. It's also made from a wider range of grains, including barley, wheat, and rye.

Single malt is considered the purest expression of whiskey making. Known for its complexity and character, it offers a canvas for a master distiller to leave their mark on every bottle. To be considered a single malt whiskey, it must come from one distillery only and be made using 100% malted barley — no other grains allowed.

Each master distiller brings their own expertise, which is why many high-end whiskey brands have distinct tastes and qualities—even if they're made from the same ingredients. Although all single malt whiskeys use the same 100% malted barley, no two malts are the same. From the pure waters of the River Bush to the high-quality barley grown, Bushmills® has kept the tradition of preserving the rich character of single malt since 1608.

Explore our extensive lineup of Irish single malt, featuring award-winning bottles that are triple-distilled from 100% malted barley.

If you're wondering how to drink whiskey the right way, especially a single malt, it starts with slowing down and paying attention to the details.

Look & Swirl: The color can hint at age and barrel influence, from pale gold to rich amber. Give it a gentle swirl to release the aromas.

Smell: Hold the glass just below your nose and take a few light sniffs. You might detect notes of honey, vanilla, or dried fruit.

Taste: Take a small sip and let it rest on your tongue. Notice the initial flavors, then how they evolve as you swallow. The finish—the flavors that linger—often reveals the whiskey's true character.

Cask aging is one of the most important steps in shaping the character of a high-end whiskey. As the spirit matures in oak barrels, it absorbs flavor compounds from the wood, adding depth, complexity, and balance over time.

Bushmills® uses both American oak and sherry-seasoned casks to develop our signature flavor profiles. American oak contributes notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey, while sherry casks bring out richer tones like dried fruit, spice, and toasted nuts.

The longer a whiskey rests in cask, the more it evolves, refining its aroma, taste, and finish. This patient process is what allows our master distillers to craft whiskeys with layered, nuanced flavor that stands the test of time.

A well-crafted single malt offers layers of flavor that can be elevated by the right pairings, whether sweet, savory, or somewhere in between.

Bushmills® 10 Year Single Malt - This triple-distilled spirit reveals a flavor profile of honey, vanilla, and milk chocolate. Pour into a chilled glass and pair with fresh, vibrant flavors like oysters and toasted almonds to bring out its brightness. Alternatively, try equally bold ingredients like creamy cheeses and smoked meats to complement its palate.

Bushmills® 12 Year Single Malt - With its rich, complex character, this whiskey pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts. The sweetness of the chocolate enhances the whiskey's natural honey notes, while the dried fruits echo its fruity undertones.

Cocktails

When the weather heats up, the best Irish whiskey cocktails are light, bright and easy to sip. Look for herbaceous accents and vibrant ingredients, like citrus. Browse our collection of warm weather cocktails for new inspiration, or start the season off with a classic John Collins Cocktail.

Trusted and renowned by bartenders globally, Bushmills® has a glass for everyone—including new whiskey drinkers.

Our master distillers recommend starting simple with classic mixers like cola or ginger ale to highlight the smooth, layered character of whiskey simply. Or, for an effortlessly sophisticated cocktail, try our Irish Highball for a glass that honors Bushmills® legacy in every sip.

Winter calls for rich, indulgent flavors. If you're keen to enjoy a whiskey neat, we recommend reaching for our Private Reserve collection of small batch single malt whiskey—each expression offers a warm intensity ideal for cooler nights.

Or, if you'd prefer cold-weather cocktails, you can browse our curated selection including the Classic Irish Coffee and The Oldest Fashioned.

Golf Partnership

There's a natural bond between whiskey and golf—two expressions of craft, precision, and perseverance. As the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, Bushmills® has long shared a connection with the game, rooted in tradition and time-honored rituals. To celebrate this legacy, we've partnered with the PGA TOUR to usher in a new chapter for appreciators of sport and spirit.

Stay up to date on our partnership by subscribing to our newsletter, where you'll find golf news, high-end whiskey tasting experiences and limited-release collector's items.

Even the best greens in the world don't compare to the view from the 19th hole. Whether you played your best round or just enjoyed the walk, a well-made whiskey cocktail is the perfect way to wind down.

Bank Shot
Our take on a Paloma. Bright, tart and made with Bushmills® Original.

The Tea Off
A course-day favorite, featuring tea, lemonade and Bushmills® Original. Refreshing and light, perfect for celebrating a great round or just unwinding after a day on the links.

Gain exclusive access to the world of Bushmills® and golf. Subscribe to our newsletter and unlock first looks at limited-edition drops, rare whiskey releases, elevated golf apparel, and invitations to in-person experiences on the green.