Bushmills is widely regarded as the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with roots stretching back to 1608 when King James granted the original licence to distil on April 20th of that year. Located in the village of Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the distillery has been producing Irish whiskey for over 400 years, making it a cornerstone of the country's whiskey heritage. That historic 1608 date is proudly featured on every bottle the brand releases. Bushmills specialises in Irish single malt whiskey, setting it apart from many of its Irish counterparts who favour blended or pot still expressions. The distillery uses locally sourced water from Saint Columb's Rill, a tributary of the River Bush, which has fed the distillery for centuries. Its whisky's are known for their approachable, smooth character — typically triple-distilled and matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in styles that range from light and honeyed to rich and complex. In 2025, Bushmills made headlines by releasing a 46-year-old single malt — the oldest Irish single malt whiskey ever bottled — further cementing its status as a trailblazer in the world of Irish whiskey. With over four centuries of uninterrupted distilling history, Bushmills remains one of the most iconic and respected names in the global whiskey landscape.