Bushmills 12 Year Old is a triple distilled Single Malt from Northern Ireland, distinguished by triple maturation with a finish in casks that previously held Sicilian Marsala wine. It joined the brand's core range in 2022, and in September 2025 it replaced the ten-year-old expression as Bushmills' entry-level single malt.
The whiskey is produced at the Old Bushmills Distillery in the town of Bushmills, County Antrim, on the Causeway Coast. Every Bushmills bottle has the year 1608 embossed in the glass – the date the distilling licence was granted. The blend is the work of master blender Alex Thomas. Bushmills 12 Year Old is triple distilled from 100% Irish malted barley and matures in a combination of Oloroso sherry butts and bourbon casks, before being finished in Marsala wine barriques from Sicily. Maturation in bourbon and Oloroso casks lasts a minimum of 11 years, after which the distillates are married and finished in Marsala casks for 6 to 9 months.
In the glass, the whiskey shows a deep amber colour. The nose reveals dried fruit, spices and sweet, candied apple. On the palate it is creamy, with notes of rich honey, spiced fruit and caramelised brown sugar, with a distinct nutty-malty character. The triple maturation, extended ageing and the use of Marsala barriques build a deeper layering, adding ripe spiced fruit, caramelised brown sugar and a subtle nutty dryness. The Wine Enthusiast critic noted additional accents: butterscotch tones and a hint of milk chocolate with almonds and toasted coconut, with a light finish carrying the tartness of grapefruit peel.
It is bottled at 40% ABV, in a 0.7 l format. According to Alex Thomas, Bushmills' master blender, the twelve-year age statement is the "sweet spot" for whiskey – long enough to develop rich, layered flavours while retaining a lively, approachable character.