Bushmills rightfully claims to be the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. In 1608, King James I granted a distilling licence to Sir Thomas Phillips in County Antrim—a milestone still proudly displayed on every bottle. The formal distillery itself was established in 1784 by Hugh Anderson, marking the beginning of Bushmills' modern era.

Original is a blend of 55% triple-distilled single malt from the distillery's own production and 45% grain whiskey, built on a recipe over a century old. This formula prioritises approachability and consistency without sacrificing character.