Bushmills is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Ireland being licenced in 1784, however the heritage of distilling in the County Antrim goes back to the original grant to distill awarded in 1608 (which Bushmills claims as the origin of their history). However distilling in this region goes back many years prior to even that date. "Old Bushmills Distllery" as it is known is one of the very few Irish distillers still producing a single-malt whiskey. Although their "Original" and "Black Bush" offerings are blends, they make three regularly produced single malts. The youngest of these is the 10 year malt. It is matured for no less than 10 years in American oak casks.

The first Bushmills I had ever tasted was Black Bush which I find it to be a very nice whiskey for over the rocks. However I had tasted Bushmills Malt 16 on my birthday in an Irish Pub (located in America...), and was impressed to say the least, so I knew the Bushmills malt offerings were very good. Therefore on St. Patricks day this past March, I needed a bottle of Irish Whiskey for 1) It's St. Patricks Day, 2) A friend and I were making "Irish Car Bombs" and the friend got the Guniness and Bailey's and tasked me with finding a whiskey, 3) After the car bombs I wanted something to sip on and enjoy. So my first thought was Black Bush. 

I found and located a local liquor store that carried better brands and top spirits, and found the Irish section. Original and Black Bush were of course present, and Black Bush was selling for $32 for a 750. However next to it was Malt 10 selling for $35 for a 750. This wasn't brain surgery. I'll always take a single malt if I can! Thus I got my first bottle of Bushmills Malt 10.

Malt 10 comes in the traditionally tall square-shapped Bushmills bottle. Though this bottle comes with a corked stopper (as opposed to a metal screw-on) and a forest-green and gold label. Inside is a light gold coloured liquid. Apparently the bottle can come in a large forest-green roundish box (some liquor stores have it in the box others don't, though I've not ever seen a price difference). Therefore when you buy it, it looks like you're getting something wonderful and something definately Irish. Anyway, what colours define Irish better than green and gold?

Removing the seal and uncorking the bottle releases warm, sweet, smokey aromas. The nose on this whiskey is light and powerful, just from the bottle. Pouring it into a glencarin glass appropriately etched with the Bushmills logo, I begin my tasting.

As with the bottle opening the nose is light but inviting. Reminds me of a the smell of wood-burning fireplaces hanging on the autumn air. There's a slight sweetness of oak and vanilla. I enjoy the nose on this whiskey very much.

Taking a sip, it is powerful and clean. I like my whiskey light and clean, crisp and this is one reason I like this Bushmills (and Johnnie Walker scotch). It's not even thinking about being anything like thick or syrupy. There is definately the vanilla of the oak and the light smokiness of the pot still. However though it's flavorful and aromatic, it's not a weakling on the tounge or throat! Like a good bourbon it has that strong grip that is not harsh or painful but still there. It flashes for an instant and then warms thouroughly. Again a great autum whiskey, to drink when the windows are open and the air is cool and dry. But even when the weather does not accompany the drink, you can be reminded of the time by the smell and taste.

For the relatively affordable price of this whiskey, considering it's a malt to boot, it is a huge full bodied bargain! Not overly complex, but it doesn't need to be. And it's one you can enjoy almost any evening after work or dinner without too much concern over the price. Indeed I keep only a few "mid priced" whiskeys out just for a shot or half-shot sipper on such occasions, and Bushmills Malt 10 is one of those indefinately located on that counter.

Paladin's Overall Whiskey Rating: 8.5 / 10