|
The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery having received its licence to distil in 1608. In 1608 Sir Thomas Phillips was granted a licence to distil whiskey by James 1 of England, but there had been whiskey distilling traditions in the surrounding area date back as far as 1276.
The small County Antrim village of Bushmills has a long and illustrious history of producing whiskey. Stories tell us that the troops of King Henry II of England were more than happy to discover the unique taste of Irish whiskey. Unable to pronounce the Gaelic 'Uisce Beatha' (Water of Life), they shortened it to 'Fuisce' and finally to Whiskey. Within just a few short years after 1608, London society was paying tribute to the quality of Bushmills Whiskey. The Irish whiskey was a strong favourite among the revellers of British King James' court, so much so that in 1784 the Distillery became an officially registered company.
From the 1740's to 1910 Irish emigrants moving to the USA spread their admiration for Bushmills Whiskey to new shores. During these years the Bushmills family had outstanding successes at international spirit and whiskey competitions. Thier success flourished until the Prohibition in America, which combined with other factors, managed to destroy whiskey exports from Ireland. At this time many of the Irish distilleries were forced to close, but Bushmills was able to recover thanks to the vision of the then distillery director Wilson Boyd. He had anticipated the end of the American alcohol ban and was able to react with ample stocks of his fine whiskey stored and ready for export.
In 1947 Isaac Wolfson of Great Universal Stores bought the Old Bushmills Distillery. Wolfson's friend, the infamous Colonel Henry Kaplan formed a new wholesale operation in the USA called Quality Importers Inc. and heavily promoted Bushmills Whiskey for seventeen years. Bushmills Whiskey was even listed in the celebrated 21 club. Since that time, Bushmills has flourished abroad and home, becoming the sipping whiskey for the discerning drinker looking for an original choice.
Bookmark This Page Print Tell a Friend
|
