Guest Review! Bushmills 1608 Anniversary Edition By Daniel Küpper

Editors note: I was introduced to Daniel through Instagram algorithm, weirdly, but it turns out we share some interests, including photography and whisky, so it seemed natural to offer a guest spot. Fortunately, he said yes! Enjoy:

Happy Anniversary
My kind of party

 I’ve always been a fan of Bushmills. The Irish blend paved my way to the world of whisky and I’ll never forget about that. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that one day I decided to grab 50 Euros and throw it online, so I can have myself a bottle of their ‘400^th Anniversary Edition’. When it arrived a few days later, I was immediately stunned by it’s wonderful glowing red color and the huge satin covered box. Money well spent, what a great Special Edition.

When I first opened the bottle, I was overwhelmed by the fruity note that came to my nose. Deep red, intense and round. Vanilla and honey joined in a moment later. It’s not stated on the bottle, and I never googled it, but this buddy had some time in more than just bourbon casks. I’m wondering if it has just seen some sherry hogs or maybe even port or red wine?

My first sip brought me an intense and mild mixture of all the fruits I had smelled, joined by oak and a very present sweetness. This Bushmills runs extremely smooth and has some roasted nuts and marzipan in it. More spices are now joining the party, but even though it is powered by 46% it’s neither sharp nor burning. No need to water it. This dram makes you want to fill the glass again (and again).

The finish is not ultra-long, though. It lasts quite a while and leaves a very good taste in the mouth and on the tongue, but it’s gone earlier than you want it to be. The huge downside of this nice whisky is it’s limitation. It’s almost gone! The remaining bottles are priced significantly higher than 50 Euros and although this is one of the best blends I’ve ever had, I refrain to buy another bottle.

Nose
Red fruit basket, honey, summer

Palate
Ripe fruits, vanilla, roasted nuts, marzipan, oak, spices, sweetness

Finish
Warm, medium long, a glimpse of smoke in the emptied glass

Try it? Yes! Buy it? Yes (if you can find it anywhere)