Whiskey distiller Bushmills' new owner has its work cut out

London

WHILE Bushmills has been around almost two centuries longer than rival Jameson, it lags behind the younger distiller in the growing Irish whiskey market - highlighting the challenge facing its new owner, Jose Cuervo.

Closely held Jose Cuervo, better known for tequilas, said on Monday it's taking over Bushmills from Britain's Diageo plc. The new Mexican owners will want to capitalise on what they called a "legendary brand" - first awarded a distilling licence by King James I of England and Ireland in 1608.