Bushmills Black Bush (Old Edition)

The high-malt, sherry-forward blend, the 'Old Edition' is typically prized for its increased strength and intense depth of character.

At-a-Glance

Bushmills Black Bush is a long-standing core Blended Irish Whiskey. It is an official bottling from the Old Bushmills Distillery, located in County Antrim, Ireland.² The whiskey is a Non-Age Statement (NAS) blend, distinguished by its exceptionally high malt content, combining malt whiskey with a lighter grain whiskey.

Historical Context

The Old Bushmills Distillery holds an historic place in Irish whiskey. The distillery employs the traditional Irish triple distillation method, which typically yields a lighter, fruitier spirit. Black Bush was introduced as a more intense, premium offering compared to the standard Bushmills Original blend.

The blend's reputation is built on its unique composition: an unusually high 80% malt component, which lends complexity typically reserved for Single Malts. This high malt ratio, combined with extensive maturation in Oloroso sherry casks, generates a rich, fruity, and deep character.⁶ Historically, many quality blends were bottled at 43% ABV for export markets to ensure stability and flavour intensity. The distinction between the current 40% bottling and the older 43% bottling is critical. The 43% strength is widely considered to better express the blend's inherent richness, creating a substantial market bifurcation, elevating the 43% bottling into a dedicated collector target.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The technical strength of Black Bush lies in the proportion and quality of its constituent whiskies, aged between 7 and 11 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The 80% malt ratio against 20% lighter grain whiskey is the core technical differentiator from other blends.

The key for collectors is verifying the bottling strength. While the current core product is widely available at 40% ABV, the 43% ABV edition represents the richer, more concentrated expression favored by enthusiasts for its perceived depth and balance. The 43% strength is often found in specialist or older stock.

Documented variants

Standard Bottling: 40% ABV, various volumes (70cl, 75cl, 1.75L).

Old/Export Bottling: 43% ABV, various volumes.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

For sourcing the 'Old Edition,' the primary step is definitive verification of the ABV marked on the label (43% vol.). Because the 40% version is significantly cheaper and more common, any ambiguity regarding the strength should be avoided. Older labels may feature pre-modern design cues. While not a high-risk collectible, label integrity and a secure capsule are necessary to ensure the liquid quality.

Regulatory/terminology notes

Black Bush is triple-distilled, a characteristic trait of Irish Whiskey. The classification as a blend means it incorporates both malted barley and grain whiskey components, although its unusually high malt percentage (80%) positions it close to single malt territory. The NCF status and use of Natural Colour are Not stated by the producer for the old edition, though the current bottling notes a russet gold colour.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The flavour profile is characterised by its depth and balance derived from the sherry cask influence.

Nose: Intense sherry sweetness is immediately apparent. The bouquet is rich, with scents of toasted oak, black fruits (such as plums and raisins), red apples, and malted barley.

Palate: The texture is soft and silky. The palate is dense and complex, offering a rich profile of caramel, vanilla, red apples, and a distinct nutty character. The grain component is typically subtle.

Finish: A lingering sweetness characterises the finish, with notes of caramel and fermented red apples often observed.12

With water: Adding water may enhance the sweetness and fruitiness of the 43% bottling.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

While the Original RRP (GBP) for the old 43% edition is Not stated by the producer, the pricing structure for the standard core expression provides a baseline. Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 27.25 - GBP 40.99 for the standard 40% 70cl bottling. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Estimated auction prices for the 43% ABV edition range from GBP 30 to GBP 38.46.

Price Snapshot

Pricing stratification: The market price differentiates sharply based on strength. The 40% ABV serves as a commodity price point, while the 43% ABV 'Old Edition' commands a guaranteed premium in the secondary market due to its known quality advantage and relative scarcity.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is excellent for the 40% core line. Liquidity for the 43% 'Old Edition' is moderate but reliable among Irish whiskey enthusiasts seeking traditional expressions.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

The Bushmills brand is particularly noted for its commitment to triple distillation and the high malt content of its blends. The high proportion of malt (80%) gives Black Bush an exceptional depth and structure, making it a foundational reference point for richly flavoured Irish whiskey.

Sourcing

The objective is to exclusively source the higher strength variant, which holds greater collector and consumption value.

Target formats/eras: Exclusively 43% ABV bottlings, regardless of specific volume (70cl/75cl/750ml).

Red flags to avoid: Any bottle explicitly labelled 40% ABV should be avoided for the premium 'Old Edition' category. Damage to the label that obscures the ABV strength is a significant obstacle to valuation.

Condition thresholds: Good to excellent label condition and a high fill level (neck fill) are sufficient for this category of collectible blend.

Margin/velocity expectations: The 43% edition offers strong profit margins due to the scarcity relative to the common 40% bottling, maintaining consistent velocity among knowledgeable buyers.