Australia’s whisky aficionados have spoken. The Bushmills 2010 Double Moscatel Cask has been officially crowned Whisky of the Year for 2024, securing its place at the top in the country’s largest whisky community vote.
Each year, thousands of dedicated whisky lovers reflect on their drams of the past 12 months, casting their votes for the standout bottle that defined their year. This time around, Bushmills—a name synonymous with heritage and quality—has once again stolen the show.
Before even landing in the hands of eager enthusiasts, this particular Bushmill expression had already been making waves in the whisky world. It was shortlisted for Best Irish Single Malt and awarded a near-perfect 98/100 points, as well as a coveted Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024.
This marks the fourth exclusive whisky collaboration between the Australian whisky community and Bushmills, reinforcing the distillery’s dominance and desirability.
It’s also the second time the world’s oldest licensed distillery has claimed the top spot—a nod to its consistently high calibre of craftsmanship. Previous collaborations have been so sought after that some bottles have fetched more than $2,000 at auction despite originally being available to Australian whisky club members for just $135.
For those lucky enough to have secured a bottle, it’s not just another dram—it’s a piece of history in a glass.
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The influence of Australia’s largest whisky community continues to grow, with its members shaping the industry through their passion and discerning palates. The annual vote has become a significant event, celebrating exceptional craftsmanship and introducing enthusiasts to standout releases.
With a shared love for fine whisky, this community not only elevates distilleries to new heights but also fosters a culture of appreciation and exploration. Securing the Whisky of the Year title isn’t just about prestige; it cements a whisky’s place in history and ensures its legacy lives on.
The Legacy of Bushmills Distillery
Last year, we went to visit this incredible place. With over 400 years of history, The Old Bushmills Distillery stands as a testament to time-honoured tradition and exceptional whisky-making.
Founded in 1608, it holds the title of the world’s oldest licensed distillery, producing some of the most revered Irish single malts.
The distillery’s commitment to quality, from sourcing the finest ingredients to meticulous aging processes, has kept it at the forefront of the whisky world. Its recent accolade in Australia only further confirms what whisky connoisseurs have long known—Bushmills is a distillery that continues to set the standard for excellence.