Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/26650
IRELAND With credentials dating that far back, there’s no doubt that the Irish claimed the first stake on the brown spirit. The original Bushmills blend combines grain whiskies and malted barley (60/40), but it’s the use of pot stills that makes the age-dated malt versions of this whiskey distinct. Today, Bushmills is made in the same method and location that’s made it famous for the past 400 years, and we have a feeling this is one spirit of excellence that will stick around for centuries to come. DIAGEO BUSHMILLS “T Our Panel Votes: Bushmills 10 Year Old: This triple distilled, 100% malted barley, aged in bourbon seasoned barrels had our panel talking! (SRP $46) “Light, fruity note of fleshy pears. Light and lovely; I am surprised how much I like this whiskey.” —Erik Adkins “Classic Irish: sweet grains on the nose, light and fruity with a richness on the finish.” —David Driscoll Bushmills 16 Year Old: Aged in Oloroso Sherry and seasoned bourbon casks, its 16th birthday has the spirit finished in ruby port casks. (SRP $75) Steve Beal is a Senior Master of Whisk(e)y. “Aromatic grapey aromas with roasted nuts, spices and raisined fruit. Elegant finish.” —Deborah Parker Wong Bushmills 21 Year Old: This is a triple-wood whiskey: Madeira, sherry and bourbon casks lend it extra character. (SRP $125) “Copper colored, peach-pie flavors and a nice brightness with a touch of sweet.” —Matt Stuhl here’s a 13th-century reference to the production of Bushmills,” says Stephen Beal, Senior Master of Whisk(e)y for Diageo. MICHAEL COLLINS A retro, traditional look gives Michael Collins Irish whiskey an Old World charm, and this year’s introduction of a small-pro- duction single malt has us singing “Kilgary Mountain” in our most classic tones: Now some take delight in fishin’ and in bowlin’ And others take delight in carriages a-rollin’ But I take delight in the juice of the barley And courtin’ pretty girls in the morning so early. From Cooley, the last independent distillery in Ireland, Michael Collins is available in a double-distilled malted barley blended whiskey and the 10 Year Old single malt. SIDNEY FRANK IMPORTING CO. Our Panel Votes: “The blend’s light copper hue is pretty, while aromas of caramel apple are alluring. Hazelnut and sea salt grace the palate.” —M.S. “The 10 Year Old is a bridge between Scotch and Irish, slightly peated with warm maple notes against a citrus delicateness.” —Meridith May “The 10 Year Old offers nice hay-grain notes with a maple and winter spice appeal.” —Thad Vogler march 201 1 / the tasting panel / 75