Old Bushmills Distillery

In 1608, King James I granted a royal licence to Sir Thomas Phillips to distil whiskey in the area of the River Bush in County Antrim — the date displayed on Bushmills labels today. However, the current Bushmills Old Distillery Company was formally established in 1784 by Hugh Anderson, making that the true operational founding date of the distillery as it exists today.

Belfast merchant James McColgan and Patrick Corrigan purchased the distillery in 1860. It was converted to a limited company in 1880. The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1885 and swiftly rebuilt — the distillery has operated continuously from the rebuilt premises ever since. Isaac Wolfson acquired the distillery after World War II, followed by Irish Distillers in 1972. French group Pernod Ricard acquired Irish Distillers in 1988. In 2005, Diageo purchased Bushmills from Pernod Ricard for £200 million. In 2014, Diageo traded the brand to Proximo Spirits in exchange for full ownership of Don Julio tequila — a deal that placed Bushmills under current ownership. In April 2023, Proximo opened the Causeway Distillery as a second Bushmills production facility.

Bushmills produces all expressions from 100% malted barley, triple-distilled in copper pot stills — a process that gives the whiskey its characteristically smooth, rounded profile. Water for production is drawn from Saint Columb's Rill, a tributary of the River Bush. The distillery produces both blended Irish whiskey (Bushmills Original, Black Bush) and single malt expressions (10, 12, 16, and 21 year olds). The Causeway Distillery, opened in 2023, supplements production capacity.

All Bushmills expressions benefit from the triple-distillation process, delivering smoothness as a house characteristic. Bushmills Original (the blend) opens with light fruit and warm spice, unfolding into velvety vanilla, honeyed sweetness, and a crisp finish. Black Bush uses a high proportion of malt matured in Oloroso sherry casks, delivering deep amber colour, dried fruit aromas, and intense, rich character. 10 Year single malt offers smooth honey, vanilla, and chocolate; the 12 Year is floral and fruity with pear, pineapple, and a distinct nutty malt; the 16 Year ("Three Wood") uses triple-cask maturation for greater depth; the 21 Year amplifies dark fruit and chocolate richness through extended maturation in rare casks.

One of Northern Ireland's most popular distillery experiences, frequently combined with the Giant's Causeway nearby. Guided tours cover the copper pot stills, triple-distillation process, and include a whiskey tasting. The on-site Whiskey Shop sells distillery-exclusive expressions including the 1608. Online shop available at bushmills.com. Approximately 120,000 visitors per year.