Old Bushmills Distillery

Celebrated the world over as one of the most historic brands in whiskey, a visit to Bushmills is a rite of passage for any lover of whiskey, not just Irish whiskey. Established as a brand in 1784, this distillery not only saw the great Irish whiskey boom of the 19th century, but was also one of only two distilleries in the country to survive and produce throughout the great Irish whiskey depression of the 20th century. 

Every tour guide here delivers their own knowledge and passion for whiskey, and reviews of guides at Bushmills show many are praised for keeping the experience lighthearted and fun. Even with my behind-the-scenes experience, I could sense that energy on my visit. The tour stops by the mash tun, fermenters, and travels through the still house. A standout is the visit to the warehouse and the explanation of barrels and the flavor profiles of their whiskeys.

As seen in "Experiencing Irish Whiskey."