Keeping in the Irish whiskey theme for the “Friday’s Pick”, here’s Bushmill’s newest entry. I’ve been sitting on this whiskey for a while, waiting closer to its release date here in the U.S. before posting a review. It’s a really nice, limited-edition, blended Irish whiskey released to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Bushmills (the location, not the distillery).
Bushmills 1608, 46%, $75
A blend of three different types of whiskey—malt whiskey, grain whiskey, and a third component which is said to be a malt whiskey produced from crystal malt. Brewers and homebrewers will know crystal malt well, being a slightly caramelized version of malted barley. Its rich texture suggests a decent malt content for a blend. Layers of sweetness (honeyed vanilla, rummy molasses, toasted marshmallow) are balanced by toasted nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate. Very dynamic and with plenty of grit. Smartly bottled at 46% ABV.
Advanced Malt Advocate Magazine rating: 90
Bushmills 1608…
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I was lucky enough to stumble apon a distributor whom was offering a taisting of the new Bushmills 1608 to a few store employees at a liquor store in Louisville KY. I was very surprised by the complexity of aromas and flavors starting from the fruity nose, followed by the immediate honey like sweetness, then by a toffee like bourbon finish which seemed to stay forever.
I think you’ll find that the whiskey was launched to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the distillery! Granted it’s licence in 1608 by King James 1.
The town has been there much longer than 400 years
Cheers from Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Martyn, thanks for your note. The license was not for the Bushmills distillery to distill whisky but to allow distilling in the Bushmills region. (Yes, my statement was misleading. Sorry abou that.)
For those of you in the state of Michigan you might like to know that the state minimum price for the Bushmill 1608 Anniversary whiskey is listed at $49.99 in the new book. Don’t know if you will find any out there (I found 3) but that is half price of what it listed for in the last book. Mistake? maybe, but sure makes this whiskey a GREAT deal!
Alot of sites say it is ony $50 per bottle , that is because they assume it is a 12 bottle case. It is actually a 6 bottle case and runs about $100 per bottle….but worth every cent!