Small Brands Make Big Waves: How Bua Is Redefining American Irish Whiskey

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Martin and Pat transformed a friendship at Burns Pub in Columbus
into Bua, an exceptional Irish whiskey brand that competes with
giants while maintaining local Ohio roots. Their Black Label
expression, finished in Irish stout barrels at 94 proof, offers a
unique sipping experience that showcases how Irish whiskey
creates perfect harmony with barrel finishes compared to
bourbon's typically more dominant base spirit.

• Bua Irish Whiskey started when Pat (bar owner) and Martin
(Tullamore Dew rep) dreamed of creating their own brand
• The White Label expression (123 proof) is an OHLQ single
barrel, while the new Black Label (94 proof) joins their core
lineup
• Irish whiskey accepts barrel finishing differently than
bourbon, creating a true 50-50 flavor partnership
• The Black Label features notes of vanilla, confectioner's
sugar, and unique citrus characteristics
• Roughly 90% of Irish whiskey is controlled by just four brands,
making craft producers like Bua a rare find
• Try making a Guinness reduction syrup with brown sugar for an
exceptional Bua old-fashioned
• Guinness surprisingly contains only 3.8% ABV, less than Bud
Light's 4.2%

Join us at Burns Pub to experience the full range of Bua whiskeys
and discover why these small-batch Irish spirits deserve your
attention.

Behind every great whiskey lies a story of friendship, passion,
and craftsmanship. For Bua Irish Whiskey, that story begins at
Burns Pub in Columbus, Ohio, where bar owner Pat and former
Tullamore Dew representative Martin transformed their "what if"
conversations into a thriving local whiskey brand that captures
the essence of Irish spirit-making while standing firmly on Ohio
soil.

The Scotchy Bourbon Boys dive deep into Bua's expressions,
particularly celebrating their stout-finished offerings. What
sets these apart is how masterfully Irish whiskey accepts barrel
finishing – creating a true 50-50 partnership between the base
spirit and the finishing barrel, rather than the subtle
complementary notes often found in finished bourbons. This
harmony of flavors allows both elements to shine equally,
creating a unique drinking experience.

Most striking is Bua's ability to compete with industry giants
despite their small-batch nature. With approximately 90% of Irish
whiskey sales controlled by just four major brands, craft
producers like Bua represent a small but mighty force in the
market, offering innovative expressions that challenge
convention. Their White Label OHLQ single barrel (an impressive
123 proof) and the new Black Label core expression (94 proof)
deliver complexity and character rarely found in standard Irish
offerings, earning a remarkable 15/18 score in the hosts' "Barrel
Bottle Breakdown" assessment.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast looking to expand your palate
or an Irish whiskey aficionado seeking something beyond the
mainstream, Bua delivers with notes of vanilla, confectioner's
sugar, and unique citrus characteristics that dance across the
palate. The hosts even suggest trying a Guinness reduction syrup
with brown sugar and chocolate bitters for an exceptional Bua
old-fashioned – perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day or any
day worthy of a remarkable pour. Visit Burns Pub to experience
the full range and discover why these grain-to-glass expressions
deserve a place in your collection.


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