Bushmills Black Bush

Recently a friend of mine, his father-in-law and I had a tasting session. We actually went through 13 drams in one sitting. A long but very good night! The whiskies we went through in order were Bushmills Black Bush, Macphail's Collection Bunnahabhain 1990 (bottled in 2006), Bruichladdich 10 year old (bottled in 1979), Ardbeg Blasda, Port Ellen 25 year old (distilled 1980 bottled 2006), Bowmore 1956 (distilled in 1956, bottled in 1983), Glenfiddich 15 year old, Gordon and MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Ardbeg 13 year old (distilled in 1972), Ardbeg 10 year old, Ardbeg Lord of the Isles, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Gordon and MacPhail Caol Ila 16 year old (distilled in 1969) and the Ardbeg Supernove. Over the next few days I will be writing up my notes. I won't be re-reviewing those malts I've already reviewed, but there are plenty of new ones.

First up was a bottle of Bushmill's Black Bush, the only Irish whiskey, and the only blend amongst a lot more serious-minded malts.

The nose was sweet, full of buttery vanilla and toffee. Simple yet still enticing.

The taste was fresh and light, with a hint of sherry smoke, and a little salt joining the initial sweet toffee. Over a few seconds a hint of spice comes through to balance all the sweetness.

The finish was short, with a hint of dried fruit and the continuance of the gentle sherry smoke. Despite being short, it was very moreish.

I honestly wasn't expecting a lot, but this was really pleasant and easy to drink, and a fantastic way to ease into a big night of drinking. I've been banging on about session whiskies recently (whiskies you drink when you want to have a real drinking session), and this hit the nail dead on the head. I wanted a second glass.

So not the most world beating whisky, but genuinely fun to drink, and ~very~ affordable (as far as whiskies go). You want a big night on whisky? Don't want to waste your best? Then you should seriously consider getting a bottle of this.

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