Bushmills 400-year Anniversary Spirit Dinner April 20, 2009

In 1608, King James I granted Sir Thomas Phillips a royal license to distil "uisce beatha," the Gaelic for "water of life," or whiskey as we know it today, in 'the territory of the Rowte' in Co. Antrim. This is the first official recorded evidence of whiskey-making in the area that was to become Bushmills.

For four hundred years, Bushmills' methods have remained committed to producing a high quality product, through grain taxes, fires and Prohibition. But Bushmills has stayed true to the grain, using 100% malted barley for a superior whiskey and traditional copper pot stills. The product is matured in carefully selected oak casks to ensure quality. Bushmills uses American oak barrels, Spanish Sherry casks, Madeira, Port and sometimes even Rum barrels are selected to develop a particular profile.

All of this culminates in a celebration of 400 years of local distilling heritage with a special, limited edition Irish whiskey, Bushmills 1608, which is no longer available.

Special guest speaker Cheryl Alagna, Master of Whiskey, presents. We're pairing the Bushmills portfolio with delicious dishes from Grovewood's award-winning kitchen. A complimentary recipe book of the dishes served (but adapted for the home kitchen) will be presented.

Official Website: http://www.grovewoodtavern.com/spirit%20dinner.htm