Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

Bushmills Black Bush is the richest and most complex expression in the Bushmills standard lineup — a blend of 80% malt whiskey and 20% lighter grain whiskey, triple distilled and aged up to 8 years in carefully selected ex-Oloroso sherry casks, producing the rich fruitcake, intense sherry sweetness, and silky, nutty character that earned it a 96-point score from Wine Enthusiast and one of Ireland's most recognized premium whiskey blends.

The 80% malt content is unusually high for a blended Irish whiskey — most standard blends use far more grain whiskey. The Oloroso sherry cask aging adds the richest, driest, and most full-bodied style of sherry influence — almonds, dried fruit, and a characteristic nutty depth — which combines with the high malt content to produce a whiskey with genuine complexity at the premium blend tier. Browse all Bushmills at Wooden Cork.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich fruitcake, intense sherry sweetness, dried fruit, and nuts
• Palate: Full and silky — fruitcake, Oloroso sherry sweetness, nutty character, and the smooth depth of 80% malt content
• Finish: Long, warm, and persistently nutty with lingering sherry sweetness

Specs

• Producer: Old Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
• Style: Blended Irish Whiskey — 80% Malt
• Aging: Up to 8 years in ex-Oloroso sherry casks
• Awards: 96 Points — Wine Enthusiast
• ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Black Bush different from standard Bushmills Original?

Two key differences: Black Bush uses 80% malt whiskey (versus Original's lower malt content) and ages in Oloroso sherry casks specifically. The high malt content and sherry aging produce a significantly richer, darker, and more complex whiskey than the lighter, grain-forward Original. For drinkers who like the Bushmills style but want more richness and depth, Black Bush is the obvious step up.