Bushmills 12 year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Bushmills 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a refined, fruit-forward Irish single malt that blends traditional triple distillation with layered cask aging to create exceptional smoothness and complexity. Rich yet approachable, it offers dried fruit, honeyed malt, and subtle spice wrapped in a silky texture. Positioned between Bushmills’ lighter younger malts and its older luxury expressions, the 12-year delivers depth, balance, and elegant sweetness—an excellent choice for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those exploring premium Irish single malts.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Bushmills is produced at the Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, widely regarded as the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with origins dating back to 1608.

• Mash Bill
  • Made from 100% malted barley, highlighting the traditional Irish single malt style.
• Triple Distillation
  • Like most Irish whiskey, it is triple-distilled, producing a notably smooth and elegant spirit.
• Cask Maturation
  • The whiskey spends at least 11 years aging separately in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks before being married together.
• Marsala Cask Finish
  • After blending, the whiskey receives an additional 6–9 month finishing period in Marsala wine casks, adding distinctive notes of dried fruit, sweetness, and nutty complexity.
• Bottling Strength
  • Bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).

This layered maturation—bourbon, sherry, and Marsala casks—gives the whiskey a unique character within the Irish single malt category.

Critics Reviews

Whisky Advocate named Bushmills 12 Year Old an Editor’s Choice and included it among its Top 20 Whiskies of 2022, highlighting its dark fruit, citrus peel, walnut oil, and honeyed richness.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Inviting aromas of dried apricot, toasted walnut, citrus peel, vanilla, and honeyed malt.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and smooth with flavors of honey, ripe orchard fruit, dark chocolate, and gentle spice layered with sweet sherry influence.

Finish:
Soft and warming with lingering dried fruit, nutty malt, and subtle oak spice.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Irish Gold Rush

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bushmills 12 Year Single Malt
• 0.75 oz honey syrup
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice

Preparation
Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

Emerald Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bushmills 12 Year Single Malt
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

Preparation
Stir ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain over a large cube in a rocks glass and garnish with an orange peel.