Jameson vs. Bushmills: Irish Whiskey Face-Off

In the Irish whiskey aisle, two names dominate the conversation – Jameson vs. Bushmills. 

Yes, the Irish whiskey renaissance has broadened our horizons. And our options. But these two remain the classics. The titans. 

Both affordable, both reliable, both readily available just about everywhere. So which one deserves a spot on your shelf (or in your glass) when you’re looking for a go-to whiskey?

Let’s pit them against each other in a good old-fashioned Irish whiskey face-off. No gloves. No bias. Just character, flavour, and value in the ring.

The Basics

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Distillery: Midleton Distillery, County Cork

Style: Blended Irish whiskey

ABV: 40%

Price: £26.50

Bushmills Original

Distillery: Old Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim

Style: Blended Irish whiskey

ABV: 40%

Price: £29.37

Both are blends, both are triple-distilled, and both are positioned as accessible, easy-drinking Irish whiskeys. Jameson has a slight advantage from the off, being a touch cheaper.

But we need to go deeper than that. There are key differences in how they’re made and how they taste.

Production & Mash Bills

Jameson blends rich single pot still Irish whiskey (made with both malted and unmalted barley) with grain whiskey. It’s aged in both bourbon and sherry casks, though mostly bourbon, which brings soft vanilla and toasted wood notes.

Bushmills Original, on the other hand, blends triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey with grain whiskey. No pot still here – and that’s a big distinction. All the barley used here was malted barley, creating a whiskey aged primarily in bourbon casks, giving it a lighter, fruitier profile.

Summary: Bushmills leans malt-forward and fruitier; Jameson is more rounded with a creamy edge from the pot still component.

Mixability

Irish whiskey’s reputation as a mixer is partly down to how easy-going these two are.

Jameson’s full body and mellow spice make it a solid base for cocktails – think Whiskey Sours, Irish Mules, or just a highball with ginger ale.

Bushmills, with its fresh, clean fruitiness, works nicely with soda water, lemonade, or anything citrus-driven. It won’t overwhelm, but also won’t bring much body to the party.

Verdict: Jameson wins for versatility, especially if you like a whiskey-forward cocktail. But Bushmills shines in long, light, spritzy serves.

Which One’s For You?

New to Irish whiskey? Start with Jameson – it’s the gateway dram for a reason.

Want a whiskey that plays well in cocktails? Jameson has the edge.

Chasing crisp, no-nonsense sipping? Bushmills is your pour.

The Last Drop: Jameson vs. Bushmills

Based on the above, it appears Jameson edges the tie. It hit two of the three marks and is slightly cheaper. Personally, when I go into a bar and fancy a Highball, I regularly order a Jameson and Ginger. But, if I were going for just a dram, I’d go Bushmills. 

If I were pushed, I’d say I’m now more of a Bushmills man, I guess. Tastes evolve. Yet I probably actually drink more Jameson. Funny, isn’t it? Still, it’s not like this is a battle with a loser. 

The good news? You don’t have to pick a side. Get both. Taste them side by side. Then let your palate decide who really wins the face-off.