The Busker Irish Whiskey is one of my favorite brands, primarily due to its highly approachable style. It produces a line of budget-friendly, palate-friendly, and sipping-friendly Irish whiskeys ideal for anyone seeking an easy-drinking daily sipper. When I was first introduced to the brand last year (see my prior review here), I commented that the entire line was perfect for anyone just getting into whiskey and that the whiskeys could be easily sipped or mixed. This year, The Busker has upped its game, releasing this NAS (Non-age-statement) but infinitely smooth and tasty sherry-matured single-pot blend that stokes my love for sherry-aged whiskey. I had the opportunity to sample this whiskey on St. Patrick’s Day, and am I ever so glad I did!

As a reminder, the “single pot-still” designation refers to a whiskey produced by a single distillery using malted and unmalted barley in the mix distilled in a pot still. Adding unmalted barley adds a degree of spice and “thickness” to the final product. Interestingly, the term “single” was a nod to the United States TTB’s objections to using the original term “pure.” In a sense, it’s a marketing term that has little impact on actual production!

The Busker uses a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and oloroso sherry butts to significant effect, bottling this expression at a slightly higher ABV than its original line (46.5% instead of 44.6%), adding additional body to the mix. The whiskey pours a deep golden amber. The aroma exudes sherry sweetness and notes of raisins, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, and dark fruits. The mouthfeel is fat and round, with a notable sweetness that dries upon swallowing. The sherry is noteworthy in the initial sip, followed by the caramel, plus notes of vanilla, dried pineapple, candied fruits, coffee, and barrel spice. Mid-sip reveals hints of black pepper, roasted pecans, and bitter chocolate. The finish is long and significantly drier than the initial impact, leading to more sherry goodness and a silky, raisiny close.

Bushmills’ Black Bush has long been my daily-dram Irish whisky, but I’m leaning more towards The Busker – it’s undoubtedly on my favorites list for affordable, daily-drinker-type whiskeys. At $50, it might give you pause given the whiskey’s lack of age statement, but like Black Bush, it’s good enough to stand on its own without.