Which Irish whiskey distillery claims the world’s oldest operating license, granted in 1608?

Old Bushmills Distillery claims the world’s oldest operating whiskey licence, granted in 1608.

The distillery stands in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the River Bush. The 1608 date refers to a licence granted to Sir Thomas Phillips by King James I, although the modern company and distillery buildings developed much later. Bushmills therefore distinguishes between the historic licence and the continuous operation of the present site.

Bushmills produces several Irish whiskeys, including single malt, blended, and grain styles. Irish whiskey is generally associated with a lighter, smoother profile, but production methods vary widely among brands. Bushmills is often confused with Kilbeggan, another historic Irish distillery that also makes an early-foundation claim.

The distillery was rebuilt after a fire in 1885 and later became part of the Irish Distillers group before joining Proximo Spirits. Its 1608 claim is a historical licence claim, not proof that every current building dates from that year.