What The Old Bushmills Distillery Co does

The Old Bushmills Distillery Co is a privately held Irish whiskey producer operating from Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1608 under a license to distill granted by King James I, it is the world's oldest continuously licensed whiskey distillery. The company triple-distills 100% malted barley in copper pot stills, with maturation across an extensive cask-finishing program spanning Oloroso Sherry, bourbon, Madeira, port, Pedro Ximénez, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tequila, Plum Brandy, Moscatel, Amarone, Cognac, and Marsala casks. The product portfolio runs from entry-level blends (Original, Black Bush at $31.99-$41.99) through aged single malts (10-46 Year, peaking at $12,999.99), Private Reserve small-batch cask-finished expressions, and limited Rare Casks releases. The 2023 Causeway Distillery, powered by green electricity, doubled production capacity and enabled the launch of the 25 Year and 30 Year core single malts. Leadership includes Master Blender Alex Thomas (appointed 2021) and Master Distiller Colum Egan.

Revenue is generated through three streams: wholesale whiskey distribution via licensed retailers (the primary channel in the US, the largest Irish whiskey market at 46.2% share); direct-to-consumer e-commerce on bushmills.com, fulfilled by AccelPay's licensed third-party retailer network with shipping to the continental US (excluding AL, AK, AR, CO, HI, MA, MI, MS, MT, OH, TN, UT); and distillery tourism revenue from guided tours, tastings, the 1608 Bar, and an on-site gift shop. A growing merchandise vertical includes branded apparel, glassware, and the annual Bushmills x Malbon golf lifestyle capsule collection.

The go-to-market is hybrid: wholesale-driven mass-market penetration of blended and core single malts at US retail, complemented by event-driven premium exposure via the Official Whiskey of the PGA TOUR partnership at 12+ annual tournament stops, plus digital storytelling across X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Customer segments include premium spirits enthusiasts, golf lifestyle consumers, new-to-Irish-whiskey drinkers, and high-net-worth collectors of ultra-rare aged expressions. The company is owned by Proximo Spirits of Jersey City, NJ, which coordinates US marketing and operations.

Name

The Old Bushmills Distillery Co

Legal name

The "Old Bushmills" Distillery Company Limited

Website

https://bushmills.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Old Bushmills Distillery Co is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery (founded 1608 in Bushmills, Northern Ireland), triple-distilling single malt Irish whiskey across aged core, Private Reserve, and Rare Casks expressions for global premium spirits consumers, golf lifestyle enthusiasts, and high-end collectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Irish Whiskey

NAICS

Distilleries (312140), Distilleries (31214)

akta.pro primary industry

Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling (AFAFAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC), Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA)

Keywords

• Irish whiskey
• Single malt
• Triple distillation
• Cask-finished whiskey
• Premium spirits

Headquarters

HQ city

Bushmills

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Whiskey Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer and retail sales of Irish whiskey products across core blended whiskeys (Original, Black Bush) and aged single malt expressions (10 Year through 46 Year), plus Private Reserve and Rare Cask limited releases. Sold via bushmills.com e-commerce, physical retail, and wholesale to licensed retailers. Includes premium aged expressions priced up to $12,999.99.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sales of branded apparel and accessories including hats, apparel (Bushmills x Malbon golf lifestyle apparel), golf accessories, glassware, and drinkware through bushmills.com and at distillery gift shops.
3. Distillery Tourism: Revenue from guided distillery tours, tastings, and the 1608 Bar at the Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Bookings available online. Gift shop on premises.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Bushmills triple-distills Irish single malt whiskey from 100% malted barley in copper pot stills and matures it across a wide range of cask types (Oloroso Sherry, bourbon, Madeira, port, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tequila, Cognac, Amarone, Moscatel, Plum Brandy, Pedro Ximénez, Marsala, and American Oak). The company sells this whiskey directly to consumers through its e-commerce store, at retail, and at the on-site Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, alongside branded merchandise including the Bushmills x Malbon golf apparel line.

Product overview

Bushmills is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery (est. 1608), producing a portfolio of Irish whiskeys. The core single malt range includes age-stated expressions from 10 to 46 years, triple-distilled from 100% malted barley. The Private Reserve Collection offers small-batch single malts with unique cask finishes (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tequila, Plum Brandy, Moscatel, Amarone). The Rare Casks series features extremely limited releases aged in exceptional casks (Cognac, PX Sherry, Madeira). Blended whiskeys include Black Bush and Original. The portfolio is complemented by merchandise including the Bushmills x Malbon golf collaboration and PGA TOUR partnership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Core Single Malt Range: Award-winning single malt whiskeys including 10, 12, 16, 21, 25, 26, 30, and 46 year expressions made from 100% malted barley.
• Private Reserve Collection
• Rare Casks Series
• Blended Whiskeys
• Bushmills x Malbon

Products and services

• Bushmills 10 Year Single Malt Triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey from 100% malted barley, matured for at least 10 years in former Oloroso Sherry casks and bourbon-seasoned casks. Tasting notes include honey, vanilla, and milk chocolate; bottled at 40% ABV. Named Best Irish Single Malt in the World at the 2007 World Whiskies Awards.
• Bushmills 12 Year Single Malt Full-bodied triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey from 100% malted barley, matured for a minimum of 11 years in former Sherry and bourbon casks, finished in Marsala wine casks. Features dark chocolate and dried fruit notes; bottled at 40% ABV. Awarded Silver at IWSC 2023 and San Diego International Spirits Competition 2024.
• Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt Triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey aged 15 years in Oloroso Sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks, then finished for 9 months in port wine pipes. Layers of fig, honeyed vanilla, and orange marmalade; 40% ABV. Awarded Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Bushmills 21 Year Single Malt Triple-distilled single malt aged minimum 19 years in former Oloroso Sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks, then transferred to Madeira casks for 2 additional years. Awarded 'Best Irish Single Malt 2013' and 96 points from Whisky Advocate, plus Masters Medal at The Spirits Business Irish Whiskey Masters 2024. Bottled at 40% ABV.
• Bushmills 25 Year Single Malt Small batch single malt initially matured in bourbon barrels and sherry butts, finished for 21 years in first-fill ruby port pipe oak casks. Priced at $899.99 with intense dark fruit, honey sweetness, and dark chocolate notes. Scored 92.4 points at the 2024 International Whisky Competition and won Gold at Irish Whiskey Masters 2024.
• Bushmills 26 Year Crystal Malt Triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey using specially toasted crystal malt grain, matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels for 26 years. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, producing intense caramel and creamy chocolate notes.
• Bushmills 30 Year Single Malt Premium aged single malt matured in bourbon barrels and sherry butts for 14 years, then finished for 16 years in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Rich dried fruit, toffee, dates, and praline character; 46.3% ABV, priced at $2,199.99. Multi-Gold winner at IWSC 2024 and International Spirits Challenge 2024.
• Bushmills 46 Year Single Malt Ultra-premium aged single malt, the oldest expression ever released by Bushmills. Tribute to the River Bush; features ripe dark fruits, apricot, caramel, and warm oak; bottled at 46.3% ABV. Priced at $12,999.99 with included shipping and insurance.
• Bushmills Black Bush Blended Irish whiskey combining a high proportion of malt whiskey with lighter grain whiskey, matured in former Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. Rich, fruity with deep intensity and signature smoothness. Available in 750ml and 1.75L; 40% ABV. Named Blended Malt Irish Whiskey of the Year at USA Spirits Ratings 2024.
• Bushmills Original Signature blended Irish whiskey whose recipe dates back before Prohibition, combining pure single malt with lighter grain whiskey. Rich, smooth, and warming; recommended for classic pre-Prohibition cocktails. Vanilla, caramel, and oatmeal tasting notes; available in 1L at 40% ABV. Awarded Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at American Spirits Council of Tasters 2023.
• Bushmills Private Reserve Collection (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tequila, Plum Brandy, Moscatel, Amarone Casks) Small-batch single malts matured initially in bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks, finished in unique specialty casks (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tequila, Plum Brandy, Moscatel, Amarone). Includes 10 Year Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks ($69.99-$84.99), 10 Year Burgundy Casks, 12 Year Tequila Casks (2010 vintage), 10 Year Plum Brandy Casks, 10 Year Moscatel Casks (2013 vintage), 10 Year Amarone Casks (2014 vintage), and 12 Year Bordeaux Casks (2012 vintage). Non-chill filtered; ABVs range from 46% to 48.5%.
• Rare Casks Series (01-04) Limited-release aged single malts finished in exceptional cask types. Rare Casks 01: 28 Year Cognac Cask, triple-distilled in 1992, 11 years in Oloroso Sherry and bourbon, 17 years in Cognac casks; 46.7% ABV. Rare Casks 02: 29 Year Pedro Ximénez casks; 51.6% ABV. Rare Casks 03: 30 Year Madeira casks; 49% ABV. Rare Casks 04: 31 Year American Oak, limited to 780 bottles commemorating Ireland-U.S. connections; 45.6% ABV. Sold in small quantities in the U.S.
• Bushmills Merchandise — Apparel & Accessories Bushmills-branded merchandise assortment including golf and lifestyle apparel (Dad Hat $32, Distillery Hat $34, Black Hat $48, Bucket Hat, Flask $100, Heather Grey Hoodie $168), golf accessories (Golf Flask $14, Golf Tees 10-Pack, Glencairn Glass Set), and apparel collections. Sold via bushmills.com and at the distillery gift shop.
• Bushmills x Malbon Golf Collection Annual limited-edition golf lifestyle apparel and accessories collaboration with Malbon, featuring the iconic Bushmills x Malbon Buckets logo, County Antrim plaid patterns reimagined for the fairways, and products including T-shirts ($68), Navy Visor ($44), Woven White Vest ($148), Heather Grey Hoodie ($168), Tote Bag ($80), and additional hats and accessories. Marketed as bridging whiskey heritage and modern golf fashion.
• Bushmills Distillery Experience (Tours, Tastings & 1608 Bar) Tourism offering at the Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Includes guided distillery tours, premium whiskey tastings, and the 1608 Bar; gift shop on premises sells whiskeys and branded merchandise. Children under 8 not permitted on tours; children under 18 not permitted in Premium Tasting. Address: 2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim BT57 8XH.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ireland's Most Awarded Irish Whiskey
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PGA TOURcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBushmills is the Official Whiskey of the PGA TOUR, a partnership that ushers in a new chapter in the natural bond between whiskey and golf — two pursuits defined by passion, precision, and the freedom to chart your own course. Bushmills attends major tournament stops to serve cocktails and offer single malt tastings on the course, generating brand visibility and premium positioning among affluent consumers.
• MalboncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBushmills x Malbon is an annual limited-edition capsule collection of golf lifestyle apparel and accessories. The collaboration celebrates Irish tradition meets modern design, featuring the iconic Bushmills x Malbon Buckets logo, County Antrim plaid patterns reimagined for the fairways, and products including T-shirts, visors, vests, hoodies, tote bags, hats, and more. The collection is marketed as bridging whiskey heritage and golf lifestyle culture.
• AccelPaycoreTechnology or IntegrationAccelPay is the licensed third-party retailer network that fulfills alcohol orders placed through bushmills.com. They handle age verification, order processing, shipment, and delivery coordination. Shipping is available only to the continental U.S. via this network.
• Proximo SpiritscoreOthersProximo Spirits, based in Jersey City, NJ, is the parent company/owner of Bushmills Irish Whiskey. The brand's U.S. marketing and operations are coordinated through Proximo Spirits, with the company providing corporate oversight, terms of service, and privacy policy for the bushmills.com website.
• Kelvin CooperageminorOthersSupplier of American Oak Bourbon barrels used for primary maturation of Bushmills Private Reserve whiskeys.
• Antonio Páez Lobato CooperageminorOthersSupplier of Spanish Oak Oloroso Sherry butts used for primary maturation of Bushmills Private Reserve whiskeys.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Jameson (Irish Distillers / Pernod Ricard): Jameson is the world's largest Irish whiskey brand and the most direct competitor to Bushmills, competing across blended and single malt expressions in the same on-trade, off-trade, and DTC channels. Both brands target the same premium Irish whiskey consumer.
• Midleton (Irish Distillers / Pernod Ricard): Midleton produces pot-still and single pot still Irish whiskeys in County Cork and is the principal ultra-premium Irish whiskey competitor, offering aged expressions like Redbreast and Midleton Very Rare that compete with Bushmills' 21-, 25-, 30-, and 46-year releases.
• Tullamore D.E.W. Tullamore D.E.W. is one of the top-selling Irish whiskey brands globally, offering blended whiskeys in a similar price band to Bushmills Original and Black Bush. It competes directly for the entry-to-mid-tier Irish whiskey consumer.
• Teeling Whiskey: Teeling is a craft Irish distillery and brand offering single malt, small batch, and unique cask-finished whiskeys that compete with Bushmills' Private Reserve and rare cask expressions for premium and collector segments.
• Redbreast (Irish Distillers / Pernod Ricard): Redbreast is the leading single pot still Irish whiskey, competing head-to-head with Bushmills aged single malts in the collector and enthusiast segment at comparable price points.
• Knappogue Castle Whiskey: Knappogue Castle is an Irish single malt and blended whiskey brand offering aged expressions and vatted malts at premium price points that directly compete with Bushmills' mid-tier aged offerings.

Broad incumbents

• The Glenlivet (Scotch): Glenlivet is a global Scotch whisky incumbent from Pernod Ricard that competes for the premium single malt consumer's share of wallet and shelf space at retailers alongside Bushmills. It shares product category but not origin.
• The Macallan (Scotch): Macallan is the benchmark ultra-premium aged single malt Scotch, competing with Bushmills' 25-, 30-, and 46-year expressions for high-net-worth collectors and luxury gifting occasions globally.

Emerging players

• Penderyn (Welsh Whisky): Penderyn is a small, emerging single malt producer from Wales that competes for premium, heritage-driven whiskey consumers globally, overlapping with Bushmills on the craft and provenance narratives.
• Writer's Tears (Walsh Whiskey): Writer's Tears is an Irish premium pot still and blended whiskey brand gaining traction in the ultra-premium segment, competing with Bushmills' Black Bush and mid-tier single malts for the discerning whiskey enthusiast.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bushmillsglobal
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@BushmillsUSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/BushmillsUSA
• Instagraminstagram.com/bushmillsusa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bushmills-irish-whiskey

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Old Bushmills Distillery Co