The Still & The VineSchool of Wine & Spirits
Bushmills Red Bush Irish Whiskey
Irish WhiskeyIssue 105

Bushmills Red Bush Irish Whiskey

Bushmills · Old Bushmills Distillery

80 proofNASCounty Antrim, Northern Ireland
Red Bush is Bushmills' deliberate lean into bourbon barrel maturation, and it works as a gateway whiskey for those crossing over from American spirits. It won't challenge seasoned Irish whiskey drinkers, but it delivers honest craft at a price that makes everyday drinking guilt-free. A solid foundation pour.

Kit Aromas

Tasting Notes

Nose

Vanilla and butterscotch are front and center, with a gentle malt backbone and hints of fresh green grass. A soft peach sweetness lingers beneath almond nuttiness.

Palate

Smooth and approachable with buttery toffee, honey, and toasted coconut. The bourbon barrel influence is clear — vanilla dominates — while a faint woody spice provides structure. Medium body with a creamy mouthfeel.

Finish

Short to medium, with lingering vanilla and a clean, slightly sweet departure. Uncomplicated but well-mannered.

Specifications
Distillation
Triple distilled in copper pot stills
Maturation
First-fill bourbon barrels
Single Pot Still
No
Chill-Filtered
Yes
Serve & Pair

Cocktail Suggestion

Red Coast Highball — 2 oz Bushmills Red Bush · 4 oz cold ginger ale · Squeeze of fresh lemon · Build over ice in a tall glass, garnish with a lemon wheel.

Food Pairing

Honey-glazed roasted chicken with roasted root vegetables

The Story

Triple-distilled at Ireland's oldest licensed distillery on the Antrim coast, then matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels that impart a distinctly American sweetness to a traditionally Irish spirit.

Train These Aromas
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