Whiskey Review: Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Introduction

Today, we’re diving into Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey. This rare expression from Bushmills is aged for 14 years in a mix of bourbon barrels and sherry butts, then finished for an additional 16 years in first-fill Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks. It’s bottled at 46% ABV, and this is easily the darkest Irish whiskey we’ve ever seen. Let’s break it down.

Nose

A rich blend of almond, dried cherry, and syrupy sweetness, setting the stage for a luxurious whiskey.

Brad: This is a beautiful nose, Bob. There’s a nice almond note that runs throughout, along with dried cherry, sweet grape from the PX casks, and even a touch of melon. It all sits on a foundation of barley. I think this is an incredible nose—9/10.

Bob: I’m with you, Brad. This has a really deep, rich decadence that you don’t typically get with Irish whiskey. It reminded me of when we reviewed Amrut Fusion a few years ago—there’s a similar stewed plum, date, or prune note. It’s syrupy sweet with caramel and maple, likely from those bourbon barrels. Wave after wave of dark, syrupy notes—it’s stunning. I’m giving it a 9.5/10.

Taste

Complex notes of raisin, hazelnut, and grapefruit make this a flavor-packed whiskey.

Bob: This whiskey is only 46% ABV, but it’s a flavor bomb. The notes from the nose carry through—dark fruit, maple, caramel—but there’s also this slight bitterness from the malt. What I love is that the bitterness never turns ashy or overly oaked. It almost reminds me of a Brown Derby cocktail with bourbon and grapefruit juice. There’s a slightly sour, bitter citrus note that complements everything else beautifully. I’m giving it a 9/10.

Brad: The palate is near perfection for me. The raisins come through prominently, along with melon, grapefruit, and a hazelnut or praline-like quality. It’s just so flavorful and complex. For me, this is a 10/10.

Finish

A creamy, long-lasting finish with hints of chocolate and citrus.

Bob: On the finish, there’s a creaminess that wasn’t as prominent before. The grapefruit sticks around but doesn’t become pithy or overly bitter. It reminds me of cream savers, but with grapefruit juice instead of orange. It’s long and mouthwatering. I’ll give it an 8.5/10.

Brad: I love the finish on this. It reminds me of this dark chocolate with orange peel that my wife gets from Aldi. There’s hazelnut, grapefruit, and even plum. I’m at a 9/10.

Balance

Perfectly cohesive from start to finish, with no note out of place.

Bob: If you’re new to our reviews, balance is all about how cohesive the whiskey is from nose to taste to finish. And this is spectacularly balanced. Every note flows into the next, and I even picked up a little ginger at the end, like the kind you get at a hibachi restaurant. I’ll give it a 9.5/10.

Brad: I’m with you. This is complex and rich, but everything works together so well. It’s like a symphony—there’s no one note out of place. 9.5/10.

Value

A steep price, but the quality and craftsmanship justify the investment.

Bob: At $2,000, we’re firmly in luxury territory here. If you’re already considering spending this much, you don’t need me to tell you it’s worth it. That said, this whiskey doesn’t feel like a gimmick. It justifies its price with quality and craftsmanship. I’ll give it a 7.5/10.

Brad: For me, if I were ever going to spend $2,000 on a whiskey, this is the one I’d buy. It’s incredible and absolutely worth it. 9/10.

Final Scores

Bob: I’m at a 44/50.
Brad: I’m at a 46.5/50.

Average: 45.25/50 (90.5/100)

Conclusion

Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey is one of the best Irish whiskeys we’ve ever reviewed. Scoring over 90/100, it’s in rarefied air. The balance, complexity, and depth are remarkable, making this a worthy splurge for those looking for a luxury whiskey experience. If you’re considering this bottle, it’s a strong recommendation from us.

FAQ

1. What does Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt taste like?
   Expect notes of almond, raisin, hazelnut, grapefruit, and a creamy finish.

2. How much does Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt cost?
   It retails for around $2,000, placing it in the luxury whiskey category.

3. Is Bushmills 30-Year worth $2,000?
   Yes, for those looking for an exceptional luxury whiskey, its depth and craftsmanship make it a standout.

4. What makes Bushmills 30-Year special?
   Aged for 30 years, including 16 years in PX sherry casks, it delivers unmatched complexity and balance.

5. How does Bushmills 30-Year compare to other Irish whiskeys?
   It’s one of the best we’ve reviewed, with a complexity and richness that far surpass most in the category.