Logbook of a Whiskey Enthusiast 2025 - Episode 1
As a whiskey enthusiast and advisor at Le Comptoir Irlandais, join me at the beginning of each month for a journey into the heart of the world of spirits. Through my publications, I will share my impressions, favorites, and all the knowledge I have acquired about these exceptional beverages. I will also take you to meet fascinating distilleries and share the secrets of their craftsmanship. An unmissable event for whiskey lovers and the curious!
Episode 1: Bushmills: Irish Whiskey and Its Unique Heritage
A Distillery Rich in History
The Old Bushmills is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Founded in 1608 in Northern Ireland, it embodies Irish expertise and perpetuates the tradition of triple distillation, offering spirits of great smoothness and complexity.
Continuously operating since its inception, it remains a timeless symbol of Irish whiskey. Although the distillation license dates back to 1608, the Old Bushmills Company was officially established in 1784, thus solidifying its heritage.
Rich in its past, the distillery continues to evolve. Currently undergoing expansion, it is modernizing to offer an ever more immersive experience. A visit that promises to be as fascinating as it is unforgettable!
A Story at the Heart of Irish Whiskey
At the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries, while Bushmills was still in its early stages, the British Crown introduced a tax on malted barley, severely impacting Irish distillers. Yet, malted barley was already recognized for producing whiskey of exceptional quality.
This taxation profoundly transformed the whiskey industry in Ireland: to reduce costs, many distilleries began using unmalted barley and other grains, such as wheat, giving birth to the emblematic pot still whiskey style.
Bushmills, however, remained faithful to its heritage. Refusing to yield to this evolution, the distillery continued to produce its whiskey exclusively from malted barley, thus preserving the purity and identity of its single malt.
At the beginning of the 20th century, there were about a dozen distilleries in the region, but this number dropped to three in the 1950s.
The Comber distillery closed its doors in 1953, followed by Coleraine in 1978.
The history of Bushmills is marked by many twists and turns. Although its official origins date back to 1608, it is believed that distillation was practiced there as early as the 12th century. This distillery is an integral part of the history of Irish whiskey. Holder of one of the oldest official distillation licenses, it has traversed the centuries, facing wars, prohibition, and changes in ownership. Today, Bushmills remains a pillar of Irish whiskey and a major player on the international scene.
The Iconic Figures of Bushmills
In 1276, Sir Robert Savage, owner of the town of Bushmills, had his troops drink aqua vitae to give them courage. In 1490, the Book of Leinster already mentions a local alcohol served in the town of Bushmills.
Starting in 1860, the distillery began to truly develop. It was then purchased for barely 500 pounds. After being partially destroyed in 1885 following a fire, the distillery was rebuilt in a pure Scottish style, with malt chimneys shaped like pagodas, similar to those of Scottish distilleries of the time. It was at this moment that it abandoned the Irish pot still to focus on single malt.
A Distinctive Irish Whiskey-Making Process
Bushmills adheres to the strict specifications of Irish whiskey production through its triple distillation process in traditional pot stills, ensuring a smoother and more refined whiskey.
The Irish whiskey production charter is a set of strict regulations defining what can be officially called "Irish whiskey" and governing its production. These rules guarantee the authenticity and quality of the product. Here are the main requirements:
- Origin: The whiskey must be produced in Ireland, whether in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
- Ingredients: Irish whiskey is typically made from grains (malted and/or unmalted barley, often malted barley), pure water, and yeast.
- Distillation: It must be triple distilled to achieve the characteristic smoothness and complexity, though some exceptions exist.
- Aging: It must be aged in wooden casks for at least three years in warehouses in Ireland. By law, maturation must take place on Irish soil, benefiting from the country's unique climate.
- Alcohol Content: The final product must have a minimum alcohol content of 40%.
- No Additives: Irish whiskey must contain no additives after distillation, except for water and natural caramel coloring within certain limits.
- Types of Irish Whiskey: Several categories exist, including single malt, single grain, and blended whiskey (a mix of malt and grain whiskey), among others.
The Bushmills distillery primarily uses sherry and bourbon casks for aging, enhancing its whiskeys with rich and nuanced aromas.
A Distillery at the Heart of a Legendary Site
The name "Bushmills" comes from its geographical location. The distillery is situated in the village of Bushmills, Northern Ireland, named after the Bush River that runs through the region and the old mills ("mills" in English) that once stood there.
This name reflects the natural environment and industrial history of the site, where the water from the Bush River has played a crucial role in whiskey production.
Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the Giant’s Causeway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the distillery shares a deep connection with this legendary place. Bushmills draws its water directly from the Bush River, which winds through these striking basalt formations.
The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway
Like many exceptional places on this beautiful island, the Giant’s Causeway has its own legendary tale.
According to Irish mythology, the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to challenge his Scottish rival, Benandonner. However, upon realizing that his enemy was much larger than expected, Finn devised a clever trick: he disguised himself as a baby. The deception worked—Benandonner, believing the child's father must be enormous, fled in terror, destroying the causeway behind him as he escaped.
The Bushmills Causeway Collection
Inspired by the Giant’s Causeway, the Bushmills Causeway Collection features whiskeys aged in rare casks (ex-Sauternes, ex-Madeira, ex-Cognac), offering a complex and bold aromatic profile.
The Classic Bushmills Range
Beyond this exceptional collection, Bushmills offers a classic range that includes iconic expressions such as Bushmills Original and the rich, malted Black Bush. This lineup caters to everyone, from beginners to seasoned connoisseurs. These must-have whiskeys, found in every Irish pub without exception, reflect the lasting impact of this legendary distillery and deserve a place in your collection!
A Long-Standing Love Story with Le Comptoir Irlandais
For years, Le Comptoir Irlandais has proudly offered Bushmills whiskeys—true ambassadors of Irish craftsmanship. Our passion for this distillery is reflected in our carefully curated selection and expert advice to help you discover these treasures.
We also bring you exclusive selections, handpicked directly from the distillery by our team of experts, ensuring a unique and authentic experience!
Special Events
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—Ireland’s iconic festival honoring its patron saint (and, of course, its whiskey!)—we invite you to explore the legend of St. Patrick and whiskey, available here: The Legend of St. Patrick and Whiskey.
We are also hosting tasting events in select stores:
- Angers: Monday, March 3, 2025
- Libourne: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
- Bordeaux: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Bayonne: Thursday, March 6, 2025
- Pau: Friday, March 7, 2025
- Metz: Monday, March 10, 2025
- Nancy: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Come celebrate this special occasion and enjoy Bushmills whiskey at our stores! (To register, contact your local store.)
Conclusion
Bushmills is more than just a distillery—it is a true symbol of Irish whiskey history. Combining tradition, terroir, and innovation, it continues to shine and captivate single malt enthusiasts.
I had the privilege of visiting the Bushmills distillery, and the experience was unforgettable. Nestled in a breathtakingly beautiful setting, the distillery immediately exudes warmth and authenticity upon entering. The aroma of fermenting malted barley and the gentle hum of working stills create a timeless sensory experience. The very walls, steeped in Irish whiskey history, seem to whisper secrets from generations past.
But what struck me most was the humility and generosity of the people who bring this distillery to life. Welcoming and passionate, they are always eager to share their stories and expertise. It’s clear that at Bushmills, every team member, from the master distiller to the most humble worker, sees themselves as a guardian of a centuries-old tradition. These are true whiskey lovers, and it’s a pleasure to chat with them—especially over a glass of their exceptional whiskey.
“We are not the best because we are the oldest, we are the oldest because we are the best.”
— Colum Egan, Master Distiller
Céad Míle Fáilte : The true meaning of Irish hospitality.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, an immersion into the soul of Irish whiskey, a visit to Bushmills is a must. Once you step inside, you’ll understand why this place holds such a special place in the hearts of whiskey lovers and those seeking to taste the true essence of Ireland.
Written by Philomène B.
Share this content
Related products
Best pick Bushmills offers an exclusive Caviste Edition with this more intense Black Bush with a 43° content.
Best pick One of the most refined and accomplished whiskeys of The Old Bushmills distillery, with an exceptional richness and sophistication brought by the wood finish.
