Discover Old Bushmills Distillery – Over 400 Years of Excellence

Bushmills Distillery is a fabulous location to tour if you’re a fan of whiskey or a history lover! It is the Home of Bushmills Whiskey. King James the First granted the old Bushmills Distillery a licence in 1608 to distil whiskey – hence its special 1608 bottle.

Due to this license, Bushmills is considered one of the oldest distilleries in the world, and it is in fine company with other distilleries around Ireland for the title.

If a Bushmills factory tour tempts you – we can highly recommend it. The video above shows the bar just off the Bushmills Distillery Shop, where gifts are sold. Why not consider a tour of distilleries in Ireland? There would be worse ways to spend a few days there! 🙂

All of the whiskey bottled under the Bushmills name is produced at the Bushmills Distillery, which uses water drawn from Saint Columb’s Rill, a tributary of the River Bush. At first, people might think that visiting this place as a tourist destination is weird, but since it is considered one of the oldest distilleries in the world, there is plenty of history to uncover.

In this article, we will discuss the following:

• The History of Old Bushmills Distillery
• FAQ’s about visiting the Old Distillery
• The Town of Bushmills
• Rare Irish Whiskey – Bushmills Causeway Collection
• Our favourite Bushmills Cocktail!

History of Old Bushmills Distillery

As mentioned, Bushmills, the world’s oldest whiskey distillery, was granted a licence in 1608. Centuries of experience and craft have been passed down for generations, and the distillery is still going strong today.

The distillery shares its name with the village in which it is located. Families, friends, and neighbours have worked together in the distillery since its creation. Here are some interesting points in its history.

Difficult Times at the Distillery – Closures, Taxes and a Fire

While the Whiskey licence was granted in 1608, Hugh Anderson established the Old Bushmills Distillery Company in 1784. Times were tough in the early 19th century,, and the distillery experienced closure periods.

In the 1850s, the British Government imposed a barley tax on distilleries. Malted barley had a worldwide reputation for making the finest pure malt Irish whiskey, however this tax forced many distilleries to use corn or inferior grains to produce their whiskey.

Bushmills was one of the few exceptions at the time that continued to distil single-malt whiskey—and they still do to this day. Single-malt whiskey, by definition, is a whiskey made at a single distillery using only malted barley.

In 1860, James McColgan and Patrick Corrigan bought the distillery. 25 years later, the original distillery was destroyed by a fire. It was swiftly rebuilt, however, and the distillery has been thought to be in continuous operation since then.

The SS Bushmills

In 1890, the SS Bushmills made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to deliver Bushmills Whiskey to America. The now international brand delivered Antrim’s finest whiskey to New York and Philadelphia before heading to Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and more.

The Prohibition

By the early 20th century, America had become a vital market for many Irish whiskey distilleries, so the 1920 Prohibition created challenging business conditions. Bushmills managed to survive this difficult period.

It is reported that Bushmills Distillery eagerly anticipated the end of Prohibition. When word came to Ireland that the act had been appealed, Bushmills allegedly set sail for Chicago with the biggest shipment of whiskey ever to leave an Irish port.

Bushmills rise to fame

By the 1950s, Bushmills’ fame as the world’s oldest distillery had grown, making it a constant in pop culture during Hollywood’s Golden Age. It featured in many classic films and TV shows, as well as iconic advertising campaigns.

The 360-degree video above shows the bar just off the Bushmills Distillery Shop, where gifts are sold.

Frequently Asked Questions – Bushmills Distillery

What is Bushmills Distillery’s Website:

Bushmills.eu

Where is Bushmills Distillery?

Bushmills Distillery Postcode & Address: 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills, County Antrim BT57 8XH, Northern Ireland

When Does the Bushmills Distillery Gift Shop Open?

Gift Shop Opening Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 10 am until 4 pm
• Saturday – Sunday: Closed

How can I book a Bushmills Distillery Tour?

Distillery Tours are available to book online. Groups of more than 12 people are subject to availability. You can email [email protected] for more information.

The standard distillery tour starts at £15, and the premium tour + tasting starts at £40.

Here is more information that you should know before booking a tour:

• The distillery may not always be viewed in a total operational capacity. This is due to varying cycles of production
• Children under 8 are not permitted to join the guided tour.

Bushmills Village

Settled on the banks of the river Bush, the Bushmills Distillery has been operating in a small village of the same name for over 400 years. Locals believe hand-crafting small batches is the only way to produce beautifully smooth-tasting Irish Whiskey.

The village’s name derives from an old but large watermill built on the Bush River in the early 17th century.

Why not take a short town tour by watching our video below?

Rare Irish Whiskey – Bushmills Causeway Collection

The distillery’s location is unique; the River Bush runs from the Antrim Hills through the same type of basalt rock that makes up the Giant’s Causeway before its tributary river, Saint Columbs Rill, passes through the distillery. The short distance of 4km between the distillery and the famous Causeway has inspired the ‘Causeway Collection’.

This limited collection comprises the 2002 VERMOUTH CASK and the 2012 POMEROL CASK. Master blender Alex Thomas created 10 rare releases; however, these two drinks were exclusive to the island of Ireland.

Bushmills even collaborated with singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside for the occasion. The Lisburn Native composed ‘Seeker’, inspired by Bushmills, his craft, and their mutual pursuit of perfection.

A Global Icon

Old Bushmills Distillery’s reputation extends far beyond the shores of Ireland, earning it a place as a global icon in the world of whiskey. Its award-winning expressions, including Bushmills Original, Black Bush, and the highly coveted Bushmills 21 Year Old, have garnered acclaim from critics and enthusiasts worldwide.

The distillery’s visitor centre offers a captivating journey through its history, guided tours, and tastings, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the craftsmanship and tradition that define Bushmill whiskey. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey lover or a curious newcomer, visiting Old Bushmills Distillery will leave a lasting impression.

Craftsmanship and Tradition

At the heart of Old Bushmills Distillery lies a commitment to craftsmanship and tradition. The production process has remained unchanged since its inception, emphasising quality ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and attention to detail. From the carefully selected grains to the slow distillation process in traditional copper pot stills, every step is meticulously executed to ensure the highest quality whiskey.

One of Bushmill whiskey’s hallmarks is its triple distillation method, which results in a smoother, more refined spirit. This technique, combined with pure spring water sourced from nearby Saint Columb’s Rill, contributes to the distinctive character and flavour profile of Bushmills whiskey.

Bushmills Cocktails

Irish Iced Coffee

Are you a fan of iced coffee? Or a good Irish Coffee using Bushmills Whiskey? How about combining the two to make a fantastic cocktail? This recipe is intended for adults over the age of 18. Drink responsibly.

You will need the following ingredients:

• 30mls Bushmills Black Bush Whiskey
• 20mls Mourne Dew Distillery “The Pooka” Hazelnut Poitin
• 35mls fresh espresso
• 20mls sugar syrup

You can watch Brian from Home Restaurant in Belfast explain the process of how to make this drink.

Final Thoughts

In an ever-changing world, Old Bushmills Distillery remains a beacon of tradition, excellence, and innovation in the whiskey industry. With over 400 years of history and a commitment to quality that has stood the test of time, it continues to inspire whiskey lovers around the globe. As we raise a glass to toast the legacy of Old Bushmills Distillery, we celebrate the exceptional whiskey it produces and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and tradition that defines this historic institution. Cheers to over four centuries of excellence!

Have you ever visited the old Bushmills Distillery? Let us know what you thought of it.

Thank you for reading our article! You may enjoy related articles to Bushmills, including:

Bushmills Travel Guide: The Town, Distillery, Castle and Causeway | The Complete Co. Antrim Travel Guide | The Giants Causeway | Dunluce Castle

If you visit the distillery, you are only a stone’s throw away from other unique tourist destinations we have linked above. We have also added an Antrim travel guide to help you explore everything the county offers while you are there. You may also find our Northern Ireland travel guide and Belfast travel guide useful!