Home Irish Whiskey The Busker Single Malt

The Busker Single Malt

March 29, 2021 · By Matthew Evans · 8.2 / 10
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Whiskey Consensus Score
8.2 /10
Very Good
Score Breakdown
Complexity
8
Nose
8
Palate
8
Finish
8.2
Value
8.8
Consensus Score
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8.2
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Our Verdict
Very Good

The Busker Single Malt is matured and finished in bourbon and marsala casks before being bottled at 88.6 proof.

The Good

  • Very Approachable
  • Availability

The Bad

  • Nothing Unique
The Busker Single Malt

A little background

The Busker is a “new world” Irish Whiskey that pays homage to its Irish roots. But unlike other Irish Whiskies, The Busker was born to be in America. The Busker Single Malt is part of The Busker Single Collection. According to The Busker, in the history of Ireland, the centuries-old production of whiskey has always consisted of three classic styles: Single Grain, Single Malt and Single Pot Still. The Busker Single Malt is matured and finished in bourbon and sherry casks before being bottled at 88.6 proof and sold for an MSRP of around $30 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Yellow Gold

Nose

Apricots, simple syrup, honey, lemon, and cereal.

Palate

Dried fruit, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, apples, and of course, malt.

Finish

A pleasantly long and slightly drying finish. Lingering notes of vanilla, citrus, cereal, and cinnamon apples.

In closing

The Busker Single Malt is very enjoyable from the sweet nose all the way through to the lengthy finish. There isn’t anything about this bottle that makes it jump out from the crowd in regards to uniqueness, however, what’s here is fantastic. The flavors are super balanced and this is a downright approachable Irish Whiskey. This is something I might suggest to someone looking to explore the world of Single Malts without overwhelming them. For $30, this is a no-brainer! Pick up a bottle, you won’t be disappointed!

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of The Busker. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.

The Busker Single Malt

88.6 Proof
8.2

Complexity

8.0/10

Nose

8.0/10

Palate

8.0/10

Finish

8.2/10

Value

8.8/10

The Good

  • Very Approachable
  • Availability

The Bad

  • Nothing Unique
Tried this one? Your score shapes the Consensus. Add your score ↓
Irish Whiskey Review The Busker

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Matthew Evans
About the Author
Matthew Evans
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 518 posts

Matthew is the founder and visionary behind Whiskey Consensus. What began as a project to explore the Instagram platform and share a love for whiskey has evolved into so much more. Professionally, Matthew works in digital marketing as a solutions engineer and sales leader, bringing innovative strategies to the table. Outside of work, Matthew is an avid runner, as well as a car and watch enthusiast. He is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through various volunteer responsibilities.

More by Matthew Evans →

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