Bushmills Black Bush

I've been enjoying this Irish whiskey expression for over 20 years now. This is my first review. This bottle is about 4/5 full and has been opened for about a month, so it's rested. The taste is neat and from a glencairn. The pour is a crystalline brassy gold. A swirl demonstrates thin sheeting and fast, small tears on the side of the glass. The nose isn't what I'd call spectacular by any means. It's really not remarkable; its got a sweet fruited sherry note, honeysuckle, ethanol, and just the slightest touch of malty grain. It's certainly acceptable. Inviting, even. There's really nothing negative here, but there's also nothing that would make me do a double take. Billed as containing 80% malts and aged for 8 years, the flavor reveals a soft, sweet and completely approachable Irish whiskey. There's a solid dose of vanilla, some slight orchard fruits and a surprising creaminess to the mouthfeel. Altogether this is a pleasing package. I really enjoy this neat, on ice and occasionally in a dessert-sweet Old Fashioned. This is one of those bottles that you can have on your bar for those moments when a cocktail "candybar" hits the spot and its a great whiskey to share with friends new to whiskey flavors. I rate based on a 5 point scale where a 1 is a drain pour and a 5 represents the perfect example of the expression. Any good, average product from a major player should land in the 2 to 3 range, and this one does, even coming in slightly above average.

Alcohol is the first thing that hits right in your nose and palate. Easy to drink, too easy. Very short finish. A bit boring?

On the nose is a dark fruit smell and the taste follows it. Sweet fruit whiskey with the burn on the top of the tongue.

Smooth sippable Irish