Global awards for Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey

Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Northern Ireland's premium whiskey producer, has won a major award in the US Ultimate Spirits Challenge held recently in New York.

The company, recognised as the world's oldest working distillery and based in county Antrim, gained a prestigious Chairman's Trophy for its 16 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

The malt, (abv 40%) in a 750 ml bottle, won the trophy in the international competition because its "Intense, yet enticing, aromas remind one of orange-glazed duck, roasted apple, dried dates and cinnamon. These lead seamlessly into the palate where dark-roasted coffee beans mingle with game meats, burnt earth and dried apricot. Very deep and complex finish."

The unique malt gained 96 out of 100 points and earned an "Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation".

Four other Irish whiskey products from Bushmills reached the final stages.

They were Bushmills 21 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (40% abv). Judges said: "Malty aromas fill the glass. Briny jalapeno jousts with rose hips and intense umami-like savory and slightly grapey aromas. Incredibly complex and deep. In the mouth it is savory with flavours of dry-aged meats and treacle leading into a complex, structured and dry, sherry-like finish. Excellent, Highly Recommended."

The other was Bushmills 10 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey Ireland, (40% abv). Judges said:"Toffee and milk chocolate are readily apparent on the nose with deeper notes of toasted oat and honey. White chocolate fudge, clementine, ripe nectarine and smoke join forces to carry this whiskey into a long, semi-sweet and raisin-like"

The distillery had two listed as finalists in the blended Irish Whiskey category - Bushmills Original Blended Irish Whiskey (abv 40%) and Black Bush Blended Irish Whiskey (abv 40%)

The 5th Annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) featured 37 Chairman Trophy winners, the highest award, along with 218 Finalists , 171 Tried & True Awards and 89 Great Values.

"Interest in Ultimate Spirits Challenge has never been greater," says Ultimate Spirits Challenge founder F. Paul Pacult. "Companies enter because they want brands to be evaluated against their peers by the world's best judges.

" USC provides the most trusted, sought after testimonials that help distillers and importers build their brands."

All products entered were rated on the 100-point scale by the spirits industry's most renowned judges that include award-winning authors, spirits buyers, journalists, educators, bar owners and consultants.

Old Bushmills can trace its heritage in whiskey distilling back to 1608. The company was started officially in 1784,

The company is now part of the Diageo portfolio of spirits.