Bushmills Black Bush

Review by: TOModera

Back to reality for a little bit, where I don’t to a review on a Scotch every couple of hours. It’s time to knuckle down and do an Irish.

I know, I know. You feel bad for me, running out of Scotches to review and having to drink another interesting whisky from a part of the world that still has enough spare time to specialize in making a foodstuff that is purely for fun and not for sustenance. First World Problems, eh?

Today I’m reviewing Bushmills Black Bush. It is the second offering from Bushmills, It’s aged for up to 7 years in oloroso sherry casks and bourbon barrels. Also it’s 80% premium malt whisky, whatever that means (feel free to inform me).

Let’s see if a Sherried Irish has a nice taste to it like Scotches do.

Distillery: Bushmills Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Ireland.

ABV: 40%.

Age: Under 7 years.

Cask type: Bourbon and Sherry Casks.

Price: $37.95 (CAD)

Color: White pine

Nose: Mango, sour veggies, caramel, wheat, little oak, cereal

There’s less red fruit smell in this than you’d expect from a sherried whisky, though there is some fruit. I’m wondering how long it stayed in the sherry casks?

Taste: Lime, bread dough, gum, pickles, cherry, honey, parsley, chocolate

More of the typical Irish comes through than any of the bourbon or the sherry casks, though some does break through. I’ll keep harping on that over and over probably, what with them bragging about using two casks.

Finish: Yeast, chili, olives, honey, salami, dry

There’s a lot more vinegar in the flavour than you’d expect. Granted, maybe they bought cheaper Oloroso casks than others have.

Conclusion: Basically, if you’re going to brag about using two casks, it better have flavours of those casks. And this one only somewhat has that. To tell you the truth, I didn’t even know it was double casked until I looked up the website. It’s an Irish through and through, it has the typical taste, it’s dry, and it’s not bad for the price.

Final Score: 73.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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