Bushmills has a Red Bush and Black Bush, probably inspired by Johnnie Walker.
Intended as a deluxe blend, Bushmills Black Bush contains 80% of single malt whiskey (aged 7 to 10 years mainly in ex-Oloroso Spanish oak) and 20% of two grain whiskeys, some of which is up to 18 years of age.
Bushmills Black Bush
(40%, OB +/- 2019)
Nose: soft and accessible, with plenty of cooked apples, raisins and light citrus (tangerine peels). Some honey and floral notes. Some oaky notes and cinnamon, but quite a malty profile indeed.
Mouth: a bit underpowered but nice flavours. Vanilla, orange peel, honey sweetness. Now the grain content is more clear but not disturbing in any way and it blends nicely with the sherry spice. Hob nobs and toast. Late hints of fudge.
Finish: quite short, quite grainy, with oak spice and caramel notes.
The nose was quite nice, but on the palate there’s an increasing grainy sharpness. It rivals Scotch blends for sure. Available from Master of Malt for instance.