Whiskey In The Jar For Foster

Ireland's oldest working distillery, Bushmills - which is also a key tourist attraction - received a boost this week with a visit by Tourism Minister Arlene Foster.

She was on hand yesterday to mark the 400th anniversary of whiskey making in the area and celebrate its contribution to tourism.

She joined other visitors who can observe, at first-hand, the traditional craft and skills of making Irish whiskey.

During her tour of the distillery Ms Foster said: "Tourism plays a central role in the Northern Ireland economy and Bushmills Distillery has become a key part of the tourism experience.

"Visitors travel from across the world to experience the rugged north coast, with its wealth of visitor attractions, and, for many, top of their itinerary is the world famous distillery.

"Its visitor centre welcomed more than 120,000 visitors in 2006, making it one of Northern Ireland's most popular attractions."

She was told that throughout 2008, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the original licence to distil whiskey granted to the Bushmills area in 1608 by King James I.

Already, in this anniversary year, Bushmills Distillery has also been recognised for its Outstanding Contribution to Tourism at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards.

This award recognises and celebrates the long history of Bushmills Distillery and its exceptional contribution to tourism in Northern Ireland.

Bushmills Irish Whiskey brand portfolio includes five award-winning whiskeys: Bushmills Original; Black Bush; Bushmills; Malt 10 Year-Old; Bushmills Malt 16 Year-Old and Bushmills Malt 21 Year Old.

(BMcC)