In the past, distilleries produced advertising material with their distillery, brand and drinks names on mirrors, signs, etc. These were given out to pubs who sold their products. Some of these advertisements still adorn the walls of pubs to this day. They have survived the ups and downs of the whiskey industry and are a nostalgic reminder of the old good times and the often-forgotten brands and distilleries of old.
Today’s pick is a lovely old sign from Old Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The company that originally built the distillery was formed in 1784, although the date 1608 is printed on the label of the brand – referring to an earlier date when a royal license was granted to a local landowner to distil whiskey in the area. Today is owned by Casa Cuervo of Mexico.