Bushmills Black Bush
5cl / 40%
£9.00
- Cask type: Oloroso
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Ireland
Tasting Notes
Soft, apples, honey and floral notes
Sweet peaches, sherry tones, spicy, hints of honey
Short, with oak spice and caramel notes
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An exceptionally malt-forward Irish blend, triple-distilled and defined by dominant Oloroso sherry cask influence.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | The Old Bushmills Distillery Company / Ireland, County Antrim |
| Category | Blended Irish Whiskey |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | No Age Statement (Malt component aged up to 8 years) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV (70cl, 1L travel retail, 1.75L) |
| Cask / Treatment | Former Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks |
| Natural Colour | Naturally deep gold / Russet gold |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Chill-filtration assumed at 40% ABV). |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | High volume, continuous core expression. |
| Intended channel | Global retail, high-end blend category, on-trade. |
| Packaging | Distinctive matte black label. |
| Notes on discrepancies | Producer states "exceptionally high amount" of malt; trade sources widely confirm the ratio as 80% malt. |
Historical Context
Bushmills relies on its standing as one of the world's oldest licensed distilleries. Its core production principle is triple distillation, which is credited with delivering the inherent smoothness that characterises all Irish whiskies from the facility.
The Black Bush formula was specifically developed to enhance richness and complexity above standard blended offerings. The combination of a high malt percentage (up to 80%) and the use of Oloroso casks is the recipe that historically elevated its market position and justified its premium status.
The most critical factor in the product's quality perception is the composition ratio. While official brand messaging uses the general description "exceptionally high amount" of malt whiskey, numerous trade sources confirm the ratio as 80% malt to 20% grain. The widely accepted 80% malt figure is the technical driver of Black Bush's full body and deep flavour, enabling it to successfully compete directly against entry-level single malts. This proportion—four times the malt found in many standard blends—is the central selling point and must be used confidently in all sales copy to position the product as a superior blend.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
Black Bush's high-quality liquid is sustained by the synergy between the rich, triple-distilled malt (aged up to 8 years in Oloroso casks) and the lighter grain whiskey. The age limit of 8 years for the malt component provides a level of flavour depth and maturity rarely found in NAS blended whiskies.
The 1-Litre volume is a strategically important variant, particularly effective for travel retail and maximising consumer value. The existence of specialty finished editions, such as the PX Sherry Cask variant, also indicates the inherent flexibility and innovation capability of the Black Bush formula.
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | Global Standard | Core product, continuous release | High Liquidity |
| 40% | 100cl (1L) | Travel Retail | Strong volume and value proposition | High Velocity |
| 40% | 75cl / 750ml | USA/Specific Export | Metric variation | Standard |
| 40% | 70cl (Commemorative) | Secondary/Niche | Specific box design (e.g., RUC 75th Anniversary) | Moderate (Niche Collector focus) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Black Bush is a high-volume market product, meaning the risk of sophisticated liquid counterfeiting is low. Authenticity verification should focus on the integrity of the plastic or screw cap seal and the consistency of the liquid's russet gold colour, which should align with the heavy sherry influence. Due to the product’s scale, consistent high fill levels are expected; ullage in modern stock should be viewed with suspicion.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The whiskey is fully compliant with all Irish Whiskey regulations. Its colour, described as "naturally deep gold" is a testament to the influence of the sherry casks, even if the product is assumed to be chill-filtered at 40% ABV.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The liquid profile is characterised by its smoothness, depth, and rich flavour, primarily driven by the 80% malt composition and Oloroso influence.
Nose: Features intense sherry sweetness combined with rich fruitcake aromas, notes of honey, and a soft nutty character.
Palate: Exhibits a soft, silky texture that delivers a full, nutty character, with detectable notes of raisins, allspice, and occasionally fruit notes like peach or cherry. The grain component is typically subtle, providing a gentle structural bite.
Finish: Presents a lingering sweetness and is of medium length. The finish may develop slightly dry or bitter notes, often evolving into hints of milk chocolate or cinnamon.
With water: The producer recommends consuming the expression neat or over ice for optimal experience.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Black Bush maintains a strong, competitive retail price, positioning it as a premium entry within the blend category. The standard 70cl bottle is widely available at approximately GBP 27.25. The 100cl volume format, available at GBP 41.38, provides a superior value proposition for volume buyers.
For high-volume blends, core stock has no appreciation value in the secondary market. However, niche items, such as an older commemorative edition, have achieved hammer prices of GBP 50.00. Liquidity for the core 40% ABV expression is exceptionally high on a global scale.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| UK Retailer | Current | 70cl, Standard Label | 27.25 | Competitive UK retail price |
| UK Retailer | Current | 100cl, Standard Label | 41.38 | Larger format, volume value proposition |
| UK Auction | Historical | 75cl, Special Edition | 50.00 | Hammer price for RUC anniversary bottle |
Pricing stratification: Pricing is highly stable and reflects the mass-premium category. Liquidity for the core range is exceptionally high.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Black Bush offers exceptional sales velocity due to established brand recognition and competitive pricing. Margins are achieved entirely through high sales volume.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Bushmills is globally recognised for its smooth, triple-distilled style. The Black Bush expression showcases the distillery’s capability to craft a complex, high-quality blended whiskey by strategically elevating the malt ratio and utilising premium sherry cask influence, thereby securing its position above many blended competitors.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: The focus must be on current 70cl and 100cl standard releases, maximising margins through high-volume purchasing and associated discounts.
Red flags to avoid: Assuming that commemorative bottlings possess intrinsic liquid value; their premium is based purely on packaging and scarcity. Any stock exhibiting unusually pale colour or lack of expected russet gold hue should be viewed critically.
Margin/velocity expectations: Black Bush offers exceptional sales velocity. Margins are achieved entirely through high sales volume.
