If you’re a fan of Irish whiskey, you’re probably familiar with the two most popular brands: Bushmills and Jameson. Both are triple-distilled and have been around for centuries. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Bushmills and Jameson so you can decide which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
History of Bushmills and Jameson
photo credit: bushmills.com
Bushmills’ History
Bushmills is one of the oldest licensed whiskey distilleries in the world, located in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The distillery traces its roots back to 1608, when Sir Thomas Phillips received a royal license to distill what is now known as Irish whiskey. It was officially formed in 1784 and has been producing high-quality whiskey ever since. Bushmills is known for its smooth and mellow flavor, which is achieved by triple-distilling the whiskey.
photo credit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com
Jameson’s History
Jameson is another popular Irish whiskey brand that was founded in 1780 by John Jameson in Dublin, Ireland. The brand quickly gained popularity and became one of the best-selling Irish whiskeys in the world. Jameson is known for its signature smoothness and balance of spicy, nutty, and vanilla notes.
Jameson is produced using a blend of malted and unmalted barley, which is then triple-distilled to create a smooth and consistent flavor. The whiskey is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, which adds to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Production Process
When it comes to Irish whiskey, the production process plays a significant role in determining the flavor profile and overall quality of the product. In this section, we will explore the unique production processes of Bushmills and Jameson.
Bushmills’ Production Process
Bushmills is known for its traditional approach to whiskey-making. The distillery uses only the finest malted barley, which is carefully selected and milled to produce a fine grist. The grist is then mixed with hot water to create a mash, which is transferred to the mash tun for fermentation.
During fermentation, the natural yeast converts the sugar in the mash into alcohol, producing a beer-like liquid known as wash. The wash is then distilled three times in copper pot stills, which gives Bushmills its distinctive flavor and smoothness.
After distillation, the whiskey is matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years. The casks are carefully selected to ensure that they impart the right amount of flavor and character to the whiskey. The final product is a smooth, complex whiskey with a rich, fruity flavor.
Jameson’s Production Process
Jameson, on the other hand, uses a unique production process that involves blending three different types of whiskey: grain, malt, and pot still whiskey. The grain whiskey is made from a mixture of corn, wheat, and barley, while the malt whiskey is made from 100% malted barley. The pot still whiskey is made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley, which gives it a unique flavor profile.
The three whiskeys are distilled separately and then blended together to create a smooth, balanced whiskey. The whiskey is then matured in oak casks for a minimum of four years, which gives it a rich, complex flavor.
One of the unique aspects of Jameson’s production process is the use of charred barrels. The barrels are charred on the inside, which gives the whiskey a distinctive smoky flavor. This is one of the reasons why Jameson is so popular among whiskey enthusiasts.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Bushmills and Jameson have their own unique characteristics that set them apart. Bushmills is slightly sweeter than Jameson, with a smooth and mellow flavor profile. This is because Bushmills is made with pure barley, which gives it a distinct sweetness. On the other hand, Jameson has a smokier flavor profile thanks to its use of a mix of barley and maize.
When you take a sip of Bushmills, you’ll notice a tangy, pleasantly sharp, floral flavor on the palate. The undertones of vanilla add a subtle sweetness to the whiskey, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter drink. On the other hand, when you taste Jameson, you’ll notice hints of spice and floral scents on the nose. Its smoky flavor profile is complemented by a smooth and velvety texture, making it a great choice for those who prefer a stronger, more complex flavor.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, both Bushmills and Jameson are affordable options, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per 750ml bottle, depending on the specific product.
Bushmills offers a range of blended and single malt whiskeys, with their blended options being more affordable than the single malt ones. For example, a 750ml bottle of Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey costs around $25, while a 750ml bottle of Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey costs around $100.
On the other hand, Jameson offers a range of blended and single pot still whiskeys, with their blended options being more affordable than the single pot still ones. For example, a 750ml bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey costs around $20, while a 750ml bottle of Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street Cask Strength Irish Whiskey costs around $200.
Conclusion
Both Bushmills and Jameson are excellent Irish whiskies, each with their own unique characteristics and flavor profiles.
The choice between Bushmills and Jameson comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a sweeter taste or a smokier flavor, both whiskies are excellent choices for any occasion. So, go ahead and try them both to see which one you like best!
Related Posts
If you’re interested in comparing different types of whiskey, there are plenty of other articles to explore. Here are a few related posts you might enjoy:
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year vs Single Barrel: Which One Wins?: If you’re a bourbon fan, you might be curious about the difference between Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel. This article breaks down the flavor profiles of each and offers a verdict on which one comes out on top.
- Eagle Rare vs Angel’s Envy: Determining the Reigning Champion: Another bourbon comparison, this time between Eagle Rare and Angel’s Envy. Find out which one is the better choice for your next whiskey tasting.
- Tullamore Dew vs. Jameson Original: Which Irish Whiskey is Best?: If you’re still not sure which Irish whiskey to choose, consider checking out this article comparing Tullamore Dew and Jameson Original.
- Proper No. Twelve vs Jameson Irish Whiskey: Which One Should You Choose?: Conor McGregor’s Proper No. Twelve has been making waves in the whiskey world lately. See how it stacks up against the classic Jameson Irish Whiskey.
- Jameson Irish Whiskey vs Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 – Which One Takes the Crown?: Finally, if you’re looking for a comparison between two iconic whiskey brands, check out this article pitting Jameson Irish Whiskey against Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7.
