Friday’s Pick: Bushmills 1608
February 15th, 2008Keeping 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
February 15th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Bushmills 1608…
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April 22nd, 2008 at 7:29 pm
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.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:22 am
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
September 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
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.)