We went back to Chicago for the holiday weekend. As luck would have it, a good friend of mine from my days in Ghana was passing through the city, so once the toddler was tucked in for the night, I met up with a small group of folks at my favorite Irish pub in my old neighborhood. After the opening rounds of Guinness, I decided it was time for whiskey...what else goes as well with old friends and good conversation? Having never tried an aged Bushmills, I decided to spring for a pour of this, and I don't regret it. The nose is darkly fruited, with berries and dried fruit to be found alongside dark chocolate fudge studded with walnut. This rings true to the palate; there are no surprises here. For flavors I associate with heavier, richer whiskies, the lightness of the spirit is a bit surprising I suppose, but even then, it's Bushmills. The finish comes across as a bit short, but not distractingly so. This isn't a perfect dram, but it's a very enjoyable one...especially when you're looking for that ideal drop of whiskey for savoring with friends on a quiet late summer evening, but that isn't going to eclipse the conversation.