If you normally like heavy stuff like an Islay whisky, this might not be the top of your selection. But if you like very mellow whiskies (and a cheaper blended one as well), then Bushmills is pure excellence. Famous Grouse and Bell's (perhaps Grant's) cannot even match this whiskey in the same caliber.
On my second bottle now. Delightful. Great for "sipping". Not brash at all. Highly recommended. It does slightly change flavors as you journey through the bottle, which keeps it interesting. 👍
Ralfy, thank you for all of your reviews! The best channel about whisky. I'm a newbie whisky-enthusiast. Your videos are so helpful for me in choosing a new bottle. Are you going to review the Bushmills 10 Year Old?
Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated. I recognise that the pursuit of profit and access to international markets plays a big part in Bushmills's decision. This, from the cold-hearted view of business, makes sense. The pity is that the pervading presence of conglomerates on the island of Ireland will decimate the efforts of independent whiskey makers to break into the world market. Perhaps my worldview is too local, but I think homegrown businesses should remain loyal to the homeland. :o)
thanks for the vids ralfy im sure i speak for all of us when we say we appreciate you taking time out of your day to make these videos for us cheers from USA
Just bought some this afternoon and everything in your review from the nose to the taste was spot on in description. It is very light but I would recommend one ice cube as it is too light to get watery with any more than that.
After watching dozens upon dozens of videos, I finally got off my vodka-swilling butt and gave whiskey tasting a go tonight with a couple fingers of Bushmills. I was impressed. I didn't pick up as much as Ralfy did on the nose or in the taste, but what I did get, I really liked. Thank you Ralfy, think you just turned me into a whiskey fan!
Ralfy, please consider reviewing Bushmills 1608. As you sure have heard, it's a special 400th anniversary edition. I heard it's amazing, but you're the expert. I know it's hard to come by, but I'm sure it will be worth it. Have a good day, my friend.
Hi ralfy. I have al 3 bushmills and I'm a starter. Is it better do mix some water with it. Or do you have the Wiskey more then 5 sec before swallow it down? Or is there something I can do to taste it all better. Regards ☺
Hi Ralfy, Do you know when it changed from 86%, to 80%? I just opened up an old 1L bottling, estimating it's from the 1960's. Definitely not as sweet as the current bottling. (NAS)
@ralfystuff Since I bought the 1608 over the Internet, the store shipped the bottle but not the box (well I did pay a lower price so I got a lighter package). Was kind of hoping for the box to keep when the bottle's empty. By the way do collectible bottles go for higher prices if the original box was kept (if the bottle had a box in the first place)? Personally the bottle and the liquid inside should suffice but I do know of collectors who prefer a complete package.
Any chance you might review the Bushmills 1608? I've seen two bottles at my local BevMo for $99.99 and I've read that this is a limited release here in the United States making this great for collectors. However reviews on the whiskey forums seem to have the consensus that it is at best a minor improvement over Black Bush but people would not pay that price for a bottle.
Cooley Distillery is located on the Cooley Peninsula, that's in county louth close to dundalk, about 100 km to dublin. But in Dublin is another distillery, called Old Jameson.
@terrypk1 - Which one are you speaking of. Comparing 40 Creek with Wisers, Canadian Club, or Crown Royal would be difficult. While the latter three are too well behaved to be really interesting, I would say that 40 Creek is a story to itself. It's arrival is different to anything I've ever tasted (maple????), even if the finish isn't amazing. I agree with Ralfy that adding a bit of a peated whisky makes for something very nice indeed! Crown Royal is a great mixing whisky IMHO!
May be my next exploration bottle. Some are comparing this to a Canadian blend. How does it compare to Crown Royal in taste? Is it lighter than Jameson? Comments from anyone would be appreciated.. Videos are excellent by the way..
I tried this. at the beginning is sort of bad, if you have time sort of forget it and let it wait (what do they say? open/develop...?) it becomes better. Starting to learn that all whiskies need time (curious item to buy in a standard modern bar) to be appreciated...
Modern amateur review here in sweden, harsh bitter opening, lots of fruity flavors following, not my favorite, its a bit hard to get into but its one of my very few options
Have you tried the Bushmills 10yo single malt. How does it compare? Is it worth the investment at twice the price of the Original? I ask with ref. to your comments @ 5:25-5:40
Something I recall reading is the fact that Bushmills does not produce grain whiskies (no column stills, maybe?) so that good grain quality is actually made by Midleton.
i drink it atm from Chivas glass and i enjoy the mockery :D on the other side very nice and good priced whiskey. i like to drink it pure and in room temp since it has nice taste when a bit warm and the smell is just awesome!
sorry to be offtopic but does any of you know of a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Ulises River i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
@ralfystuff A slight update, a store in Southern California is selling the 1608 at $55.99 (a 44 percent drop in price). Since that was such a significant drop, I decided to buy a bottle. Since this is a small specialty shop, I have a feeling the owners decided to do a little inventory clearing.
Perhaps I'm a heretic...but I know what I enjoy. I enjoy the higher quality Irish and Scotch whiskey neat....but those are for special occasions.. (I seldom buy a $ 60 + bottle) But I enjoy sipping Bushmills or Johnnie Walker Red over a little ice. It all melds well for me. No ice in my Connemara, Red Breast, Green Spot, or McCallan's Cask Strength unfiltered! When I feel like ice, I have proper whiskey for it. (Bush or JW Red) Someone commented on the popularity of Jamesons in the USA. IMO, it has to do with younger folks and how they "Do a shot" together. Do a Jamo? Its tossed in one swallow. I don't do that. I sip. Maybe Jameson is "better" Cowboy style.
i do agree that 40 creek is a bit different, but everything else all tested very similar. The vanilla, the caramel, and the sweet finish. Moreover, they all have very short and abrupt finish. When compared to let's say a johnny walker blend, the alcohol in the Canadian whiskeys stand out a lot more even though the alcohol content should be roughly the same.
This is my personal favorite standard whiskey. To the gentleman and others who do not wish to waste money on whiskey, I understand, and would suggest seeking out a decent bar from where they may try a glass or two of new brands before investing in a whole bottle. ;)
Whiskey is the Latin of alcohols! Vodka and Red Bull is where it's at nowadays! Please do a review that. Ha ha!! Whiskey for President.....of everything!
@BiGLoS2212 Bushmills 1608 has dropped in price in the last year or so because stores are trying to fill their shelves with new stuff (and that box is taking up room). I've been trying to get a few bottles at a lower price because it's become my favorite expression of the bunch.
Hahaha I thought 1608 was this one being reviewed. I meant I prefer this one instead of the black bush . 1608(for obvious reasons too expensive so I've never had it). It is difficult for me to buy different whiskey because if it's bad I feel like I just wasted money (a mistake I've made before)and no one wants to be forced to drink whiskey they don't like. I tried kilbeggan it's pretty good too.
@shuboy05 That said, if I were to splurge on Irish whiskey, I would go for the new Pure (or Single) Pot Still whiskies that Midleton introduced last year (they should be here in the US by March).
Nice review even thought my favorite drink of all time only got an 83/100 but that's okay opinions are not always the same. But in my opinion The 1608 is better than the black bush it's too much cherry for my taste.
At the first second i thought: "Is Ralfy aging his own Whiskey??" Haha! In the future in the liqeurshop on the shelf next to Johnny Walker: Ralfystuff!! =) The other day i had a new (for me, and off camera) Cognac: Meukow, a very smooth one with a strong taste of sweet grape, much more taste then Joseph Guy wich i was comparing Meukow with...Joseph guy tastes like urine after a zip of Meukow... I can learn much from you, Ralfy!
Why did the owners of Bushmills sell out to Diageo? Seems rather antithetical to the cause of producing and packaging an authentically Irish whiskey...
so in other words, there is lack of balance and length in the canadian whiskeys. As a canadian, I am not surprised, because we are not a country of culture and history. so our stuff isn't always on par with the europeans.
you are right about each to their own. However, i have had the bushmill you were just having. I have to say that the Canadian club can not compare to it. Moreover, most canadian whiskeys all have the same tasting profile. It is incredibly boring.
British Isles = Great Britain and Ireland Great Britain = Island with England, Wales, Scotland Ireland = Island with Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. So, NO.......IT IS NOT BRITISH WHISKEY.
One of my favorites along with Tullamore Dew a little bit pricey here in New Zealand but worth it for a great everyday dram.
Good taste mate..i love irish whisky too!
The Bushmills is way better than Tullamore Dew imo...but each to their own :)
If you normally like heavy stuff like an Islay whisky, this might not be the top of your selection. But if you like very mellow whiskies (and a cheaper blended one as well), then Bushmills is pure excellence. Famous Grouse and Bell's (perhaps Grant's) cannot even match this whiskey in the same caliber.
On my second bottle now. Delightful. Great for "sipping". Not brash at all. Highly recommended. It does slightly change flavors as you journey through the bottle, which keeps it interesting. 👍
Ralfy, thank you for all of your reviews! The best channel about whisky. I'm a newbie whisky-enthusiast. Your videos are so helpful for me in choosing a new bottle. Are you going to review the Bushmills 10 Year Old?
Thank you for your review. You are the best! You teach a Russian guy how to appreciate a sip of an Irish whiskey...
thanx Ralfy learned alot on watching your vids
your style is great man enjoy all of your vids peace
Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.
I recognise that the pursuit of profit and access to international markets plays a big part in Bushmills's decision. This, from the cold-hearted view of business, makes sense. The pity is that the pervading presence of conglomerates on the island of Ireland will decimate the efforts of independent whiskey makers to break into the world market.
Perhaps my worldview is too local, but I think homegrown businesses should remain loyal to the homeland.
:o)
thanks for the vids ralfy im sure i speak for all of us when we say we appreciate you taking time out of your day to make these videos for us
cheers from USA
Just bought some this afternoon and everything in your review from the nose to the taste was spot on in description. It is very light but I would recommend one ice cube as it is too light to get watery with any more than that.
After watching dozens upon dozens of videos, I finally got off my vodka-swilling butt and gave whiskey tasting a go tonight with a couple fingers of Bushmills. I was impressed. I didn't pick up as much as Ralfy did on the nose or in the taste, but what I did get, I really liked. Thank you Ralfy, think you just turned me into a whiskey fan!
How is that whiskey enjoying going?
Hey ralphy ! Just got some o this for a change. I like it 👍 and as always I can count on you for an honest in depth review.
Have a nice sunday. Could you help whit your experience. The Dimple whisky is good option for a gift? What is your opinión about this whisky. Thanks
Ralfy, please consider reviewing Bushmills 1608. As you sure have heard, it's a special 400th anniversary edition. I heard it's amazing, but you're the expert. I know it's hard to come by, but I'm sure it will be worth it.
Have a good day, my friend.
Hi ralfy. I have al 3 bushmills and I'm a starter. Is it better do mix some water with it. Or do you have the Wiskey more then 5 sec before swallow it down? Or is there something I can do to taste it all better. Regards ☺
Time for a re-review of this Ralfy! :)
Hi Ralfy, Do you know when it changed from 86%, to 80%? I just opened up an old 1L bottling, estimating it's from the 1960's. Definitely not as sweet as the current bottling. (NAS)
@ralfystuff
Since I bought the 1608 over the Internet, the store shipped the bottle but not the box (well I did pay a lower price so I got a lighter package). Was kind of hoping for the box to keep when the bottle's empty.
By the way do collectible bottles go for higher prices if the original box was kept (if the bottle had a box in the first place)? Personally the bottle and the liquid inside should suffice but I do know of collectors who prefer a complete package.
Any chance you might review the Bushmills 1608? I've seen two bottles at my local BevMo for $99.99 and I've read that this is a limited release here in the United States making this great for collectors. However reviews on the whiskey forums seem to have the consensus that it is at best a minor improvement over Black Bush but people would not pay that price for a bottle.
Good job Ralfy your reviews are always fun and informative. that little cask is new any future plans for it?
hey ralfy, have you tried the irishman single malt? if so, what do you think? thanks.
Tried bushmills the other night and I just absolutely enjoyed it. :)
Big fan. Its very smooth.
For me It has lovely light, sweet, floral, fruity notes not just nose but pronounced in taste. Strong woody note on the tongue too
Cooley Distillery is located on the Cooley Peninsula, that's in county louth close to dundalk, about 100 km to dublin.
But in Dublin is another distillery, called Old Jameson.
dia diut ralfy have you tryed Pochin or do you only do whisky love the videos by the way
@terrypk1 - Which one are you speaking of. Comparing 40 Creek with Wisers, Canadian Club, or Crown Royal would be difficult. While the latter three are too well behaved to be really interesting, I would say that 40 Creek is a story to itself. It's arrival is different to anything I've ever tasted (maple????), even if the finish isn't amazing. I agree with Ralfy that adding a bit of a peated whisky makes for something very nice indeed!
Crown Royal is a great mixing whisky IMHO!
Loved your review! I just bought a bottle.
also a good one that i can recommend. is bushmills malt 10 years old.
May be my next exploration bottle. Some are comparing this to a Canadian blend. How does it compare to Crown Royal in taste? Is it lighter than Jameson? Comments from anyone would be appreciated.. Videos are excellent by the way..
I tried this. at the beginning is sort of bad, if you have time sort of forget it and let it wait (what do they say? open/develop...?) it becomes better. Starting to learn that all whiskies need time (curious item to buy in a standard modern bar) to be appreciated...
Poitín would be made by the unregistered distilleries??
Modern amateur review here in sweden, harsh bitter opening, lots of fruity flavors following, not my favorite, its a bit hard to get into but its one of my very few options
Have you tried the Bushmills 10yo single malt. How does it compare? Is it worth the investment at twice the price of the Original? I ask with ref. to your comments @ 5:25-5:40
Something I recall reading is the fact that Bushmills does not produce grain whiskies (no column stills, maybe?) so that good grain quality is actually made by Midleton.
Awesome review!That is one of my fav whiskey.
Of all the English pronunciations, this one is by far the one i like the most.
i drink it atm from Chivas glass and i enjoy the mockery :D on the other side very nice and good priced whiskey. i like to drink it pure and in room temp since it has nice taste when a bit warm and the smell is just awesome!
Thank you, Ralfy...love watching your reviews...you've guided me in
sorry to be offtopic but does any of you know of a way to get back into an Instagram account??
I was stupid lost the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Kaden Layne instablaster =)
@Ulises River i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
@Ulises River it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thanks so much you saved my account !
@Kaden Layne Glad I could help =)
What's your choice of motorcycle Ralfy??
You are awesome! Thanks for the review!!!
@ralfystuff
A slight update, a store in Southern California is selling the 1608 at $55.99 (a 44 percent drop in price). Since that was such a significant drop, I decided to buy a bottle. Since this is a small specialty shop, I have a feeling the owners decided to do a little inventory clearing.
Ralfy, since I can't find a review of it on your page, have you ever tried the Busmills 10 years old single malt?
. . . yes, a decent clean 'young' malt for outdoor sips or mixing.
***** I got it as a gift from someone and I have to say that I do like it.
Did I really type Bushmills wrong in my original comment, oh well.
***** My father was born in County Clare, Ireland. I love the whiskey & the people. I am 75% of Irish Blood, so perhaps I am prejudiced?
Perhaps I'm a heretic...but I know what I enjoy. I enjoy the higher quality Irish and Scotch whiskey neat....but those are for special occasions.. (I seldom buy a $ 60 + bottle) But I enjoy sipping Bushmills or Johnnie Walker Red over a little ice. It all melds well for me. No ice in my Connemara, Red Breast, Green Spot, or McCallan's Cask Strength unfiltered! When I feel like ice, I have proper whiskey for it. (Bush or JW Red)
Someone commented on the popularity of Jamesons in the USA. IMO, it has to do with younger folks and how they "Do a shot" together. Do a Jamo? Its tossed in one swallow. I don't do that. I sip. Maybe Jameson is "better" Cowboy style.
i do agree that 40 creek is a bit different, but everything else all tested very similar. The vanilla, the caramel, and the sweet finish. Moreover, they all have very short and abrupt finish. When compared to let's say a johnny walker blend, the alcohol in the Canadian whiskeys stand out a lot more even though the alcohol content should be roughly the same.
Bushmills should spend a little more on advertising in the states
All I hear about is Jameson here
Which is a fine whiskey but I also enjoy Bushmills
This is my personal favorite standard whiskey. To the gentleman and others who do not wish to waste money on whiskey, I understand, and would suggest seeking out a decent bar from where they may try a glass or two of new brands before investing in a whole bottle. ;)
In your Ralfy opinion, Kilbeggan is better than Bushmills Original ?
no, but my last taste was two years ago !
My lady was so dissapointed :-( Thanks for the new review. Always been scared of blended stuff. It might be nice in my tea :-)
Its not actually called "Bushmills" thats the town (which im from), but cool review. Bushmills is the oldest still working distillery in the world! :)
You're welcome. By the way, review was brilliant, like allways
Whiskey is the Latin of alcohols! Vodka and Red Bull is where it's at nowadays! Please do a review that.
Ha ha!! Whiskey for President.....of everything!
@BiGLoS2212
Bushmills 1608 has dropped in price in the last year or so because stores are trying to fill their shelves with new stuff (and that box is taking up room). I've been trying to get a few bottles at a lower price because it's become my favorite expression of the bunch.
I've had a few sips of my Bushmills but I thought I heard Ralfy sign off with "spunked" :D
truthfully im warming up with a Jim beams devils cut...great oak taste..which ispretty good right at 45 abv
Hahaha I thought 1608 was this one being reviewed. I meant I prefer this one instead of the black bush . 1608(for obvious reasons too expensive so I've never had it). It is difficult for me to buy different whiskey because if it's bad I feel like I just wasted money (a mistake I've made before)and no one wants to be forced to drink whiskey they don't like. I tried kilbeggan it's pretty good too.
@shuboy05
That said, if I were to splurge on Irish whiskey, I would go for the new Pure (or Single) Pot Still whiskies that Midleton introduced last year (they should be here in the US by March).
Very basic and light, not terrible, but the Bush red and Bush Black are both SUBSTANITALLY better in my opinion, the red being my favorite
Hi, how does the White Bush compared to the Red when it comes to Flavour ?
Nice review even thought my favorite drink of all time only got an 83/100 but that's okay opinions are not always the same. But in my opinion The 1608 is better than the black bush it's too much cherry for my taste.
I see you've attacked the Black bush there, Ralfy ;)
Yes, I'd have to agree with you on that.
At the first second i thought: "Is Ralfy aging his own Whiskey??" Haha!
In the future in the liqeurshop on the shelf
next to Johnny Walker: Ralfystuff!! =)
The other day i had a new (for me, and off camera) Cognac: Meukow, a very smooth one with a strong taste of sweet grape, much more taste then Joseph Guy wich i was comparing Meukow with...Joseph guy tastes like urine after a zip of Meukow...
I can learn much from you, Ralfy!
Wow. That's higher than the Jonnie Walker Blue Label, which he gave an 82.
@ralfystuff oh, that is cool, I hope I don't spoil the surprise!
Love the Leprechaun❤
...my recent whiskey purchases :) cheers :)
@ralfystuff Wow, I'm glad to know even you find the 1608 overpriced. I think I'll just stick to Black Bush.
@BillHicks420 Thanks! Looking forward to exploring further down the rabbit hole....^_^
More tart than I expected, thought it might be more like Canadian, smooth and buttery. More like a mid-range bourbon.
@DarkheartTheHeritic
Darkhearttheheretic: I agree on you!
Why did the owners of Bushmills sell out to Diageo? Seems rather antithetical to the cause of producing and packaging an authentically Irish whiskey...
So they started making whisky 176 years after they got their license? Wtf
drinkin this one now..u mean its` not march.ha! im a pollitt..prefer a good speyside
so in other words, there is lack of balance and length in the canadian whiskeys. As a canadian, I am not surprised, because we are not a country of culture and history. so our stuff isn't always on par with the europeans.
you are right about each to their own. However, i have had the bushmill you were just having. I have to say that the Canadian club can not compare to it. Moreover, most canadian whiskeys all have the same tasting profile. It is incredibly boring.
😊😊😆😆😉 Good job.
£17 on Amazon now
ralfy. I think you have over OVER scored the canadian whiskey by a lot.
Cool now do a Canadian accent
taste like a smooth bourbon.
Bro u took 8 minutes to get into the review
Cuz he gives pertanent info around the whole subject of spirits...
jajaja el gnomo muy gracioso
nice cap
no please no blarney!
Not a fan of the bush
Try the Black Bush.
Bushmills is from Northern Ireland therefore is British Whiskey
British Isles = Great Britain and Ireland
Great Britain = Island with England, Wales, Scotland
Ireland = Island with Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
So, NO.......IT IS NOT BRITISH WHISKEY.
At least 3 quarters way through the video and still not reviewed. I give up 🤣