Bushmills

The story of Bushmills Whiskey begins in the early 17th century, with the first license for whiskey production being granted in County Antrim in 1608. This pivotal moment set the foundation for what would become an iconic name in whiskey history. However, the official status of Bushmills Distillery came later, in 1784, when Hugh Anderson registered the operation. He also established the Pot Still as the registered trademark, a symbol that still denotes the quality and distinction associated with Bushmills today.

The distillery faced challenges in the 1850s when the Irish government imposed increased taxes on grains. Malted barley, a key ingredient in Bushmills Whiskey, was affected by this tax hike. While many distilleries opted to alter their recipes in response, Bushmills decided to absorb the financial hit to maintain their product’s consistency. This decision proved advantageous as, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bushmills garnered a reputation as an award-winning whiskey, notably securing the only gold medal for whiskey at the Paris Exposition of 1889.

Recognition of Bushmills transcended into literature with a mention in James Joyce’s seminal work, “Ulysses.” The repeal of Prohibition in 1933 marked a significant turning point for Bushmills, notably for Belfast merchant Samuel Wilson, who had purchased the distillery a decade earlier. His anticipation that America’s Prohibition would eventually end proved lucrative, as Bushmills whiskey thrived once it could again legally flow across American borders.

World War II brought challenges reminiscent of the Irish grain taxes, as production was halted and the Dublin offices suffered a bombing that obliterated the company archives. Yet, post-war recovery was swift as demand surged, particularly in the United States, leading to the resurgence of Bushmills’ popularity.

In 2008, Bushmills marked a milestone, celebrating 400 years of continuous production. The occasion was commemorated with the Bank of Ireland imprinting the distillery’s images on its banknotes, a testament to the brand’s cultural significance. The late 2000s witnessed an endorsement wave from notable figures in the arts, championing Bushmills’ esteemed legacy. This enthusiasm culminated in a landmark event in 2012, with the ‘Bushmills Live’ concert at the Old Bushmills Distillery, celebrating the confluence of whiskey making and music artistry.

As for experiencing Bushmills firsthand, there is no finer venue than The Bushmills Inn, located within Bushmills Village. Situated near the distillery, this accommodation seamlessly blends exceptional local cuisine with the hospitality of a historic inn that has been transformed into a country hotel. Interestingly, the inn’s premises, including the house and stables, trace their origins back to 1608, the very year Bushmills was licensed for production. Here, visitors can savor Bushmills in a dedicated whiskey tasting room, characterized by its quaint and cozy setting, complete with a wood-burning stove. Whether indulging in a traditional neat shot, clinking ice cubes in a glass, or mixed to individual preference, the experience is quintessential.

Bushmills forms a pivotal stop on the illustrious Gourmet Causeway Coastal Route tour, an itinerary that also features the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway, situated nearby. This tour offers firsthand insights into the storied history of Bushmills and invites guests to immerse themselves in the ambiance of Ireland’s storied and venerable distilleries.