Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey

16 years. Three Cask Matured. Bushmills — a triple-distilled Irish single malt from the world's oldest licensed distillery, matured across three distinct cask types — ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and port pipes — for 16 years to produce the most complex expression in Bushmills' standard age-stated range.

Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland holds a license dating to 1608 — making it the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. The distillery's triple distillation process (vs. the double distillation used by most Irish whiskey producers) produces a lighter, more refined spirit that takes particularly well to the complex multi-cask maturation program of the 16 Year.

The three-cask structure adds progressive complexity: bourbon barrels provide vanilla and fruit foundation; Oloroso sherry butts add dried fruit richness; and the final port pipe maturation adds dark berry and wine tannin character in the finishing stage.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Red fruit, dried fruit, sherry, vanilla, light spice
• Palate: Dark chocolate, toffee, red fruit, malt, warming spice
• Finish: Long, smooth, fruit and chocolate

Specs

• Distillery: Old Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim, Northern Ireland (licensed 1608)
• Style: Irish Single Malt Whiskey
• Age: 16 years
• Casks: Ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry, port pipes
• ABV: 40%
• Size: 750ml

Browse all Irish whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is Bushmills called the world's oldest licensed distillery? Old Bushmills received a license from King James I in 1608, predating all other currently operating licensed distilleries. The 1608 date is specifically for the license at this location; the current distillery building dates to 1784 and has operated continuously since.
• How does Bushmills differ from most Irish whiskey? Bushmills is one of the few Irish distilleries to produce single malt exclusively from malted barley and to triple-distill their product — producing a lighter, more refined character than the pot still blends that define Midleton's range or the column-distilled grain whiskeys of other producers.