Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

[@clintondeabreu8565]

Definitely worth every cent, people say it should be a higher ABV, but this is meant to be an easy sipper with complexity & not a punching whiskey, this is one of my favourite easy sippers!

[@michael72012]

I rarely like any whiskey that higher than 46% abv, higher alcohol content that doesn’t give better flavor but it burns your tongue for sure, I never understand why people prefer higher abv or cask strength

[@thechrisburrow]

This is one of my all time favorites. Massive peach. Thanks for reviewing this!

[@dirtydawg3734]

I really appreciate that you do your full review past the neck pour and into the heart of the bottle. I really think you have described several times that your opinion changed as you got farther into the expression letting it open and develop. Niiiice!

[@steveno7058]

Just wish this was at least 46%. ABV isn’t everything but it is something. I have the same feelings about JW Blue.

[@gman5986]

40 is much to low for a high end epensive whisky. 46% minimum. I dont get what Bushmills id thinking. Their advcertiseing they are more interested in dollars than a growing their brand. Dissapointing but a nice bottle and box.Bushmills give your patreons better whickry for your high price point!

[@benjaminwang6544]

I have the Bushmills 16yo, which is said to be the more intense one. The aroma is good and the mouthfeel is mild with a lot of flavours by layers. I think maybe the mild mouthfeel is the pursuit of the Irish whisky with 3-time distillation. A higher ABV may interfere with the no sharpness mouthfeel.

[@dman4187]

Just bought a bottle of this for my birthday. It is now $420 at my total wine. I was able to find at another total wine in my state for the 199. Must be old stock but 420 is insane

[@gerritgreveling]

Just sorted it out. Nowadays in thé Netherlands 170 euro. I would pay that yes. Lovely lively whisky

[@FatWhiskyDrinkingGuy]

159 at Drankgigant.... :-)

[@wesjolly8609]

Nice review Erik. The Bushmills 21 Year Old is one of my favorite Irish whiskies and a 92 is a well deserved score for this dram. Concur on the ABV points you made and we’d all like for the prices to be where they were 2-3 years ago (many reasons for that increase) - but that is the world of whisk(e)y we live in now.

[@roberco4900]

Great whiskey. 5 years ago, a bottle cost $120. Now it's $230. I should have bought a whole case back then.

[@richardgibson7277]

Genuinely my favourite Whisky, I've been through 2 bottles in the last few months. It's beautiful.

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

I would like a little bit more oomph too. Cracking review, Erik. Sláinte.

[@befuddled2010]

This was a very skillful review, and thank you for sharing and illustrating how your wine background informs your analysis. You deconstructed this very effectively and I have to say that I don't know of any other reviewers who could accomplish this. Thank you Erik.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ben_Demon_Hunter]

Tyank you, Erik, for your honest thoughts & opinion. Appreciated

[@bedlamborn]

I found for example that the Bushmills 16 needed some time to open up.

[@Lawnshrooms]

Bushmills 21 is fabulous and worth that price point. It’s a rare treat and definitely great for those special occasions. Do not pass it up!

[@budj13]

Great review, Erik. I had a chance to try this in the Belfast Week tasting box of the Bushmills core range. This is a very nice dram and I have since been shopping to find it at a better price in the US. I've picked up a bottle of Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett instead and would be interested in your thoughts on that. I hope you are staying safe with all the fires we are having this year.

[@WhiskyMystery]

$170 here... thirdbasemarketandspirits.com/products/bushmills-single-malt-21-year

[@4syth]

When the nose/palate changes once the whiskey has dropped below the shoulder in the bottle, is that because of the amount of air stored in the bottle when it's at that level?

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Wines and whiskies benefit from some oxygenation.

[@peterwhite507]

Can be got in Alberta for $194 Cad all in.= $147 US

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

As a reviewer you may want to experience everything that happens as you go from the neck pour to the middle of the bottle. Myself I have started to open a bottle and pour a wee neck pour dram then split it into two bottles to open up. If I find the neck pour is very good will try again the next day to see where we are. If it seemed tight will wait a week. Recently did this with a Balcones single malt K&L store pick cask and had to wait a month for it to calm down and integrate all that virgin oak wood bomb. Cheers Erik

[@silverfox108]

I agree 46 should now be the minimum on high end whisky

[@Watchman999]

Erik, great review. Is your bottle 750mL? Also how would you rank Redbreast 21 vs Bushmills 21?

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Yes, all my bottles are 750 ML which is standard for the USA. The only exceptions are bottles I brought back from Scotland or had shipped overseas.

[@AlReyn]

I've just got a bottle of Bushmills 16 year old which was on sale with Loch Fyne Whiskies for a good price. Not tried Bushmills before as hadn't considered it to be one of the better brands - see how I get on with it and may progress to the 21 (after I've bought the redbreast 12 cask strength!)

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@stcif]

Tried this and it’s fantastic.

[@steveno7058]

I have a feeling if 35% ABV was the legal requirement, then this would be 35%. Sorry but diluting to the ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM is a hard buy. Are we sure this wouldn’t be better at 42%? 45%? Or is it coincidence that 40% is the best ABV for this expression? This is a clear try before you buy.

[@catnapgee5357]

Many great whisky's might be better with 2 or 3 abv higher .. but then, the price might be higher, the quality of the whisky might demand a higher abv .. which if is the case, ppl often add water to anyways. My theory is, with good whiskies and reputable distilleries, if you see a whisky at 40% then that's a confidence dilution. It implies the whisky can still hold it's own at 40% because it's loaded with quality. As well, the character for aged whiskies is often presented better at 40% abv to only further emphasize it's smoothest. Slainte!

[@CraigDoverton]

I really cant decide on this bottle. It is available in my area. I am a bushmills fan and Irish whiskey is my favorite whiskey especially single pot still. I can get multiple bottles of many Irish whiskies for the price of this bottle. I am really disappointed in the 12 yr old bushmills I got for Christmas. I would rather have the 10 and 16. But for the value my favorite is the black bush. So i just dont know if i can go over $200 for this. I can get 2-3 great bottles of other Irish like a red spot and a green spot in my market for $200. Or a Redbreast 12 cast strength and a powers john lane. I always consider two solid bottles over 1 that may leave me burned.

[@MrW1LL14M]

I enjoy Bushmills, I got this at my wedding but I was left a little bit disappointed with it.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Why?

[@MrW1LL14M]

@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies I'm part of the crowd that wanted a higher ABV. I just thought it was lacking a little something. Perfectly good whiskey, I just didn't think it sat head and shoulders above the likes of the 16 or the 10 like I was expecting it to.

[@Richie.Z]

Great review, Erik! It’s been a long while but I’ve gone through two of the 21. I don’t remember paying anything close to $200. I just remember a great tasting, easy sipping Irish whiskey. Great notes and impressions on your review! Cheers!🥃

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

TW&M is selling it for $200.

[@cqblecqb]

I found it for 100 bucks recently. Gave the info to an Irish Whiskey homie.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

$100!? WOW !

[@gerritgreveling]

Got it for 90 euros a few years ago. Why 200. Is it that rare. Widely available over here

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I'm not sure, but a high percentage of the cost of whiskey is tariffs and taxes.

[@gerritgreveling]

Erik Wait Whisky Studies that’s for sure. Necessary evil.

[@rsconnor01]

@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies - FYI- the price went up to its existing price way before the tariffs.

[@donaldrance]

Great review! I also had the experience with it needing to open up before it reached its full potential. The price is slightly less here in Canada but it is still not cheap. I do wish that it was non-chill filtered and at a higher ABV to intensify the flavours. If someone is looking for some delicious Madeira finished Irish for less than I would suggest either of the Tyrconnell finished whiskies. That being said, I do seriously love this whisky and usually have a bottle of it on hand.

[@richardagnew4959]

Knew you'd like it, but do share your reservations, Erik. Great review.

[@ckpalmeiras1318]

I’m only really ever going to spend 100 plus on Irish whiskey, the pot still stuff is in another league to everything else in my humble opinion, but in no world am I shelling out 200 for something at 40% (and this is a single malt rather than pot still, but again that’s a personal preference). Same with that Midleton annual release that is around 190 but at 40%. No chance.

[@9591alex]

40 abv usually comes along with a mediocre mouthfeel

[@sazza2270]

Agree.. 43% and up just feels much more lively

[@catnapgee5357]

yes .. usually .. but this isn't a usual whiskey.

[@9591alex]

@@catnapgee5357 I didn't have the opportunity to try the bush 21 so I can't talk. But I love the oily and heavy ones and in this review I didn't hear those words (did I miss them?) Maybe with a 43-46 it would have that profile. Ps I know it will feel snobbish but I'm a CS guy and I don't like the concept behind a 40% abv (especially at those prices)

[@catnapgee5357]

@@9591alex everything you said I can understand.. especially when it comes to investing a lot of money.. but bottom line, if you tried the 21, and didn't think too much about it (btw, some artists say they "feel" their art when they don't think too much) then you'd simply enjoy it im quite sure. It would be a most delicious experience, and at the end of the day, isn't that all we ultimately want?

[@nickwoodward1511]

Great review followed up by a possibly stupid question...why do we get everything that is a standard basic minimum ABV at 43 percent in South Africa...Aus...NZ etc... yet in the UK... Europe, many others the base abv is 40 percent. Cheers

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Sorry, I don't know. In the USA we often get higher abv than the UK.

[@nickwoodward1511]

@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies Thanks for the reply Erik...Nice to get lucky:)

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Completely agree, and same rating as you "in my book" (I did a video about it too, though it has unfortunately some sounds issues). Cheers !

[@UsedBrain4U]

For $240 CAD (ONTARIO) it had better be a CS bottling!

[@JCooK2007]

Have ya been able to spot this at an LCBO? I actually went to Bushmills distillery last September (literally in Bushmills, Northern Ireland) and purchased the Bushmills 16....pure heaven. I've yet to try this.

[@UsedBrain4U]

@@JCooK2007 It appears to be sold out in the LCBO.

[@framdigo5555]

Great review! I have a couple questions: I purchased the 21, and it seems to have several scratches on it. Will the scratches on the bottle compromise it's potential of being a collectors item in your opinion? And, Is it normal for the 21 year old to be slightly lighter in color than the 16? When I put the 21 next to the 16, the 16 absolutely looks a shade darker. I always thought the 21 seemed darker in online pics and reviews. Do you have any thoughts on that? Cheers!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Good question, I've not had the 16 yet. Perhaps I'll review it in my next Irish Whiskey Marathon.

[@catnapgee5357]

was the $200 USD or CAD .. and was it before tax or tax include. Thanks!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I’m in California. It’s $199 at TW&M before tax.

[@catnapgee5357]

@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies ok that selfishly makes me feel kinda good cause I spent $235 CAD after tax .. so that would be $178.50 USD. Would you say that's a good deal for it?

[@HostileButHonourable]

A good whiskey for sure. Only ever had a couple of glasses of it from a pal. I remember it was a lot cheaper a few years ago.But at €175+ here, it should at least be natural colour and non CF to be its best , I just don't think the optimal presentation or the wow factor is there enough to spend so much. Its a €100 - €120 worth as is. Though the way whiskey prices are ramping up, even for standard core expressions is a bit worrying. Seems whiskey could become an elitist tipple if its not careful... IMHO....

[@michaelhassler7446]

Not sure if you noticed it (and my sample size of whiskey tasting is surely smaller than yours), but would you say it'd be an incorrect generalization, that a younger whiskey tastes better on the neck pour and then gets worse as the air gets into it? And the Older whiskeys are worse on the neck pour and get better as the air hits it?

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I've not found any major differences in the age of the whisky in terms of waiting for it to open up. Thus far it just seems some whiskies need to open up with time and others don't.

[@AlReyn]

Hi Erik great review - stupid questions I'm trying to learn, is it a simple case of upping the abv to get the oomph your looking for to improve the whiskey (or any whisky)? Does the flavour profile and other factors have a part to play in this. Is it case of whether the profile of the whiskey can handle the extra abv without being diminished or is it always the case that the profile will be improved with more abv? Would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

You can increase the ABV without improving flavor. More alcohol won't improve an inferior cask. But, the alcohol does improve mouth feel and texture. So while increasing ABV may help it won't necessarily do so and and some whiskies are better at lower ABV.

[@primewhisky]

Think it is quit good, in Sweden 170$, great video Erik👍🏻

[@Boxer1250RT]

I can smell Apricut, Berry, Citris, Orange, Honey, Smoke, Oak, Sherry, Apple, Candy and some other stuff :))))

[@gerritgreveling]

Oh one more thing. Just bought THE SEAWEED EXPERIMENT by the Dutch independent bottler THE ULTIMATE. Its a bunnahabhain staoisha and they added a branch of kelp. Love it or hate it. Seasalt Bomb vs peat i guess Opinions are Very different. Bottled at 55%abv.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

That sounds so weird I thought you were joking with me. But I Googled it and it states "This release is a replica of a medicinal drink in the 17th century that combined whisky and seaweed."

[@gerritgreveling]

Erik Wait Whisky Studies indeed. No joke. A replica it is. Something to talk about due to its controversy. Reviews are Very different. I think it wil be delivered on Tuesday. I let you know what I’ve experienced.

[@hardtoFReSh]

that whiskey is the best i ever drunk . I bought in 2007 for 70 euro and the selller told me that its price is 170 euros but he will give it to me for 70 ,so i said ok . Its the most expensive whiskey that i ever have drunk and its very good. furthermore is the whiskey that val kilmer in the movie the doors drink in the scenes .

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

ok, thanks for sharing.

[@karolis112assassin]

This month i bought 2 bottles of Bushmills 21 154 each 1 bottle Glendronach 21 parliament 183 2 bottles of Dalmore King Alexander III 190 each 1 bottle J.Walker blue label 191 1 bottle of longmorn 16 for 110 1 bottle of yellow spot 12 for 75 1 bottle of bruichladdich black art 4.1 (last bottle in my country) for 290 All prices in usd. My wallet is crying

[@karolis112assassin]

By the way glendronach 21 parliament was last bottle in my country too

[@Da1Prophessor]

I’ve recently gotten into whiskeys, rums and tequilas (more whiskeys and rums) however I have seen/heard a lot of reviewers (Whiskey Vault/Tribe, Bourbon Junkies, Fred Minnick, yourself and others) on KZbin push for higher ABV in distilled spirits and I’ve asked why? Isn’t the point of drinking to enjoy the distilled spirits is not get drunk? I find that I like lower proof distilled spirits because they have less of a backend burn and isn’t harsh going down (smooth).. I seem to find the smoother distilled spirits are lower ABV; maybe it’s me being an apprentice and not a journeyman, or craftsman. Are there any objective values in higher ABV for distilled spirits if I’m trying to really grow in my appreciation and evaluation of my new hobby? I’m not drinking to get inebriated, I’m trying to learn and understand the complexities of the distilled spirits. Please help me on my growth path.

[@WhiskyMystery]

The higher alcohol is a disadvantage (from a health point of view) but the flavors are more concentrated with more alcohol. You can water it down to your preference.

[@iSimplyPaNdA]

its 100% worth it

[@Piface2099]

if JW Blue is $200+ then this def. earns its place in that space imo

[@alexmil002]

Hey Erik, great video, as usual. I would not buy this whiskey at that price. It's just too much money, and I want more bang for my buck. I can probably find something more interesting at that price. Generally-speaking, I can agree with your comment about not caring if there is more alcohol if the flavors and aromas are delivering at 40%ABV. It's also a matter of preference for the drinker. People have to remember the producer is making and blending the spirit with a type of customer in-mind, or where it fits in someone's rotation, like someone that wants an aged spirit with complexity but they may not want to fuss about adding water, waiting even longer for it to open up, etc. Great review. Take care. -Alex

[@ciarankearns5038]

If you were woken up after 21 years would you start dancing straight away? You'd need at least 20 minutes

[@karolis112assassin]

Today i bought 2 bottles $154 each. I hope i will like it

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

WOW! Two of therm! I hope you enjoy them!

[@catnapgee5357]

Many great whisky's might be better with 2 or 3 abv higher .. but then, the price might be higher, the quality of the whisky might demand a higher abv .. which if is the case, ppl often add water to anyways. My theory is, with good whiskies and reputable distilleries, if you see a whisky at 40% then that's a confidence dilution. It implies the whisky can still hold it's own at 40% because it's loaded with quality. As well, the character for aged whiskies is often presented better at 40% abv to only further emphasize it's smoothest. Slainte!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Thanks for the comments.

[@rsconnor01]

IMHO it's not. I had a hard time finishing it. But I paid 99 bucks for it back 5 years ago.

[@wakajawaka9376]

More like $270 where I am. Just can't justify that, certainly not without trying it. It'd have to really blow me away, which I can't see happening. I would happily drink a friend's bottle. Or an enemy's.

[@doubletappinhillbilly]

Last I got it was 135 U.S. been awhile

[@Ivo--]

Redbreast 21 blows this completely out of the water. It's not even in the same league, in my opinion.

[@tdiddle8950]

As it was so succinctly put in "Fight Club," it's all just polishing brass on the Titanic.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Actually, the vocabulary used for describing wines or whiskies is called phenomenalogical language. It is more poetry and art than science, describing things how they seem rather than how they actually are. Try a few fine wines or whiskies while listening to jazz music, maybe you'll learn a thing or two.

[@mariecohen3052]

That means Only 8 dollars per shot And that mean you will enjoy 25 nice evenings in front of the fire 🔥 place With your favorite cigar let’s pick an Ashton Cabinet (my pick) So it’s another way to look at your 200$ What a great pleasure for only money

[@murphyebass7837]

Madness that it’s at 40%. Watered down greedy nordy’s.

[@gman5986]

I will take an Amrut or Kavalan product over this any day. Anyone interested in buying a half botlle in a beautiful box??

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Amrut can be a more affordable buy but Kavalan are WAY more expensive.

[@gman5986]

@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies I actually can get quite a variety of Kavalan for the same or quite a bit less from the European suppliers

[@welshtoro3256]

I've not drunk it so I can't really say if it's worth it or not. I doubt it. The problem is that Irish whiskey is overpriced in general for what it is. What it is, in general, is filtered, coloured, 40% abv and more often than not lacking an age statement. This is like a superior version of that, a sort of Irish Johnnie Walker Blue. I'm sure it tastes good but it would still taste good if it was half the price. If Ardbeg 10 doubled in price overnight we would still like what's in the bottle but we wouldn't think it good value. It's still possible to buy wonderful Japanese age statements but they aren't worth it. I enjoy salad but I wouldn't spend £50 on one because I know I'm not getting what I pay for. Bushmills have an old fashioned mindset like Glenfiddich and Dalmore to name but two. I'm afraid I believe that 40% abv is acceptable for entry level and/or inexpensive whisky. There's a market for whiskey like Bushmills 21 but I'm not it. Thoughtful review Erik and good tasting notes.

[@tdiddle8950]

All these (imagined) aspects of fine drinks is just silliness to me...made up stuff that people just pass to each other to have something, supposedly, erudite to speak about.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

So said the blind man when he heard a description of a rainbow and a deaf man when he read a description of a symphony.

[@silverfox108]

LOL it has gone up in price over the past 3 years.. All Whiskey is becoming much to expensive for the average joe

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Yep

[@xiamengbaby]

Hell no would I drop $200 on a 40% ABV bottle, 21 years old or not. That's insulting to the customer to expect that kind of money on minimal content.

[@stephenpinder9567]

No such thing as a controversial whisky...just controversial opinions

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I have to disagree. There are whiskies I review that I know 90% of my reviewers will like it and there are others that I know 90% will hate it. Then there are those whiskies that I know there will be no general consensus and reviews will be all over the place. The Ardbeg Drum CS for example. I was one of the first people in the USA to review it and I KNEW opinions of it would be radically different by my fellow whisky tubers because of its “unique “ profile. The Bushmills 21 was another because of its low abv and high price.

[@cliffnorman178]

Finding an Irish "complex" whiskey is like finding an unpeated Laphroaig whisky. Other than Connemara of course.

[@UsedBrain4U]

Tyrconnell Single Malts are very close to some Speysides.

[@adammartin7007]

Utter drivel.

[@cliffnorman178]

@@adammartin7007 Agree. A complex Irish whiskey is utter drivel.

[@adammartin7007]

@@cliffnorman178 Dismissing the entire category is preposterous. It's really boring Scotch snobbery. And there is nothing complex about Connemara...