I’ve been exploring some Irish Whiskies of late, and when I read in @stephaniemoreno ‘s profile that her go-to dive-bar whiskey is Bushmill’s Black Bush, I decided to give it a try on this New Year's Eve, before heading out with friends. Color is a dull khakied amber (Pantone 142). Nose of golden raisins, apple pie, brown sugar, a little orange oil, ripe carambola, and ripe banana. The mouthfeel has a gentle quality that rolls around on your tongue; the palate shows light sherry, and some sugared vanilla. On the finish there’s a touch of woody tannic bitterness, along with more vanilla. I tried Bushmill’s Black Bush because @stephaniemoreno states in her profile that it’s her go-to dive bar whiskey. I can’t disagree with that. It has some age; is finished in sherry casks; and is quite drinkable, if a bit simple. But dive bars—which I love—aren’t about complex whiskies. They’re about other things. And if the next one I’m at has it, I’ll likely order it. Bushmill’s Black Bush can be found for $40. Would I buy it again? Yes. It’s not a particularly good value—especially considering the bare-minimum 40% ABV—but it does seem to fill a niche at the moment. 3.25 on the Distiller scale. 40% ABV. 8-year age statement (not on label; per company website). E150a coloring added. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.