Bushmills Original (40%, OB, 2015)

• Category: Blended, triple-distilled Irish whiskey
• Origin: Bushmills Distillery
• Bottling: Official
• ABV: 40%
• Cost: £19.22
• Score: 80/100

What they say:

Bushmills‚ the golden member of the family. It’s a blend of triple distilled single malt whiskey with a lighter irish grain whiskey. The folks back at the old distillery will tell you it’s an approachable whiskey with a rich‚ warming taste of fresh fruit and vanilla. Me? Well – to me it has a fruity burst that sits on my tongue before turning to honey in my cheeks. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.”

NOSE: Light and fruity with spicy aromas. vanilla note, developing into crème brulée.

TASTE: Gently warming‚ mouth coating texture. A touch of honey sweetness.

FINISH: Crisp‚ fresh finish‚ with a touch of spice.

What I say:

Dram #1 during the #BushmillsWhiskey Tweet tasting hosted by Steve @TheWhiskyWire

Colour:

Light golden amber (8/20), large and slow droplet tears leaving fine legs

Nose:

Peachy fruit, a little acetone/nail polish at first but a little air and the sweetness of honey comes out – develops into vanilla custard and apple crumble, a little floral/perfume too

Taste:

Light cereal, honey, barley sugars waxy lemons & oranges

Finish:

Medium, barley sugar and honey with a lemon zest

Overall:

A very nice blend and introduction to Bushmills Irish Whiskey, not as ascerbic and coppery/tinny as I sometimes associate with Irish Whisky. I guess the triple-distillation really refines Bushmills spirit. This is good enough to dram on its own as a light summer or aperitif style dram, but equally lends itself well to mixing into long drinks or cocktails, pretty versatile.