Head to the north coast and visit the oldest operating distillery in the world to try a famous Irish whiskey.
One of the few historic operating distilleries to offer tours, the Old Bushmills Distillery is a must-do for whiskey lovers. Even if you don’t like the strong alcoholic drink, it’s interesting to see the making of the malt concoction that Ireland is so famous for at one of Northern Island’s best-known producers. The Bushmills saga starts in 1608 when King James I granted a distilling license to Sir Thomas Phillips, which makes it the oldest distillery in the world. Then, in the mid 18th century, the Old Bushmills Distillery became official and registered its trademark pot still.The walking tour lasts about 45 minutes and takes you through the whole production process. Begin in the mixing room to see malted barley and water from the River Bush combined. Walk through the fermentation hall to see the yeast being added and alcohol begin to form. See the copper stills that define the Bushmills flavor in the distillery before discovering the rich aromas of the American oak and Spanish sherry casks, used for maturation. Finish the tour as you make your way through the blending lounge and the bottling plant as you learn about the finishing touches.The tour is given by the same people that make Bushmills whiskey, so you can ask the experts about their work. Learn about the history of whiskey in Ireland in general and the difference that a subtle change in ingredients and soil can make to the taste of a cask.At the end of the tour, adults are invited to try the whiskey themselves, while children are offered complimentary soft drinks. Try more whiskey coupled with traditional Irish fare in the bar and restaurant. Visit the Bushmills store if you want to take home rare and vintage Bushmills whiskeys or other souvenirs. The distillery in Bushmills is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Belfast, near the Irish Sea. Ample free parking is available on site. Bushmills is open daily, but it is wise to call ahead as operational procedures may render the distillery shut for hours at a time.
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