Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

This used to be fabulous whisky for the money, complex yet eminently drinkable, but the latest version tastes like a pale imitation of the rich silken tastefest I’d gotten used to. I picked up a bottle springtime 2019 and it’s very ordinary compared to the last bottle I had. It’s by no means a bad whisky, but it’s no longer anything to gush about...it tastes like a £30 whisky, with some harsher notes that you might expect with a young whisky. What was once a multi-faceted yet smooth dram has become somewhat one-dimensional and ordinary, verging on boring! I hope I just picked up a lame bottle as this was once my go-to unpeated everyday malt.

11th October 2019

Went into this one expecting a smokey peaty whisky, but was taken on a different journey not expected for an Isley. I was reward with fruit notes with a hint of smoke and an unexpected new favorite whisky.

28th September 2019

I love this Bunnahabhain 12 years, a perfect dram on the palate and on the nose, an islay as bunnahabhain can give. Very very very good.

7th September 2019

Nothing of Islay - and certainly NOTHING of a 12 year old.
PreAdolescent mebbe. Not happy - but price in the afterthought not troubling.

16th August 2019

Thanks to many of you for your reviews of this whisky. I ordered a bottle and tried last night and it's the best I've drank yet!! Just a very enjoyable dram. Definitely get the caramel in the taste, along with some Sherry and vanilla. The nose is very pleasant and really opens up with a little water. The finish is long with a touch of smoke mixed with dark fruits. A very enjoyable hour and a half spent with Bunnahabain, a book, wife and my dog last night.

15th August 2019

I love this whisky. Sweet, nutty, just a hint of smoke. Far more interesting to me than some other Islay offerings. Always buy a bottle when on offer.

5th August 2019

Absolutely love this single malt.
The smell when I opened the bottle was beautifully sweet and complex, can barely notice any peat smoke at all and I am not a big peaty whisky drinker so that's saying something. Definitely has the most depth of flavour and character of all the 12 year old or younger whiskeys ive tried.
Great product at a great price (paid £40) and will for sure be exploring more from Bunnahabhain (maybe the travel retail exclusives?) and buying this 12 year old again. 5 stars

1st July 2019

What a shame that the smoothness, richness and flavours have seemingly been abandoned for an acidic, thin, sharp, T.C.P.throat stringent stripper. (Bottle bought June 2019)
Used to be so lovely.

17th June 2019

Not a patch compared to old version, don't understand how this won Gold in 2014

15th June 2019

This is one of the finest Scotch whiskies I've tried. It's not heavily peated, and it's hard to believe it's an Islay, but a dense well-rounded flavour comes to the fore with a lovely oaky aftertaste. This is as good as Scotch gets for those who shy away from inky iodine such as most Islays present. Definitely nothing like it at $64; worth every penny.

5th June 2019

This was the Scotch that made me “get it”. Prior to this I had tried Dewars White Label, Glenlivet and Glenfiddich entry level offerings. I decided to get a bottle of this as my final attempt to enjoy scotch. As soon as I tasted it, it was like a whole new awareness and understanding came over me. Now I enjoy other heavily peated Islays, but I can also pick out and appreciate the more subtle flavors of Speyside and Highland single malts and everyday blended scotches. This scotch will always be one of my favorites, because without it, I would have given up on scotch entirely.

2nd June 2019

Natural color, higher abv, ncf, and an age statement. All things a scotch should have and at a wonderful price. The taste is perfectly balanced. Not too sweet but you definitely know the sherry is there. Nice coastal salinity, small amount of smoke, rich and smooth. Excellent for a 12 year.

24th April 2019

Great flavours in this whisky. Almost reminded me a bit of Glenfarclas 15, with its fruity sherry taste, and quite complex,deep and rich for a 12 year old. A must try in my opinion!😁

11th April 2019

Almost doesn't even taste like Scotch, I like the potency at 45 and change %. Rough around the edges, would probably be excellent as a 15 or 18 yr. Decent value, a lot of dry sherry, can taste vanilla and wood. Not overly fruity... If you are more of a Highland, Irish, or Bourbon fan add a half a star. I prefer Lagavulin and Talisker

9th April 2019

It was almost as smooth as drinking tea (I mean that as a compliment for how easy it went down) yet it had some wonderful notes. A complete and pleasant surprise in relation to other Islay scotches I’ve sampled.

10th March 2019

A bourbon drinker that loves this stuff because ... ummm... it tastes rather like bourbon.

28th February 2019

Having my first dram. Excellent. Lingers.

15th February 2019

Lovely jubbly

12th February 2019

I can't see this staying at this price point for much longer; 12 year old, non chill filtered and natural colour at circa 40 quid. There are plenty of other companies producing NAS junk for more money. A hidden gem.

7th February 2019

I have never been a fan of islay but this one is Outstanding!

6th January 2019

All the richness of the best sherried whisky, but with subtle nuances that make it unique. Traces of smoke (but more the sweet Highland Park variety than the typical Islay). The coastal salty tang is also very slight, balanced, and much more refined than that of say, Ol Pulteney 12.

This is the cream that rises to the top. The cherry and vanilla are very evident. The very subtle, sweet smoke builds up slightly on the palate as you enjoy glass after glass of this criminally underrated 12 year old malt. Outstanding.

28th December 2018

The best whisky ive tasted in years

12th November 2018

I am a new and begginer whisky drinker, usually more in Peaty/salty/ ones (Adberg, lagavulin, laphroaig)
I am in a "discovering" phase ans I like to try different stuff and therfore bought this one.
VERY SHERRY, oh my god... I was really surprised, I thought it would be more balance and subtile, but the first minute, all I could smell and tast was sherry. Very different, actually totally different from my other islay, i need to get use to it ! Knowing this, it is good, no doubt.

18th October 2018

Surprised and satisfied. Corundum this single malt to be delicious

3rd October 2018

I just purchased a small "sample" bottle at my local retailer and I have to say, I LOVED IT!! I like my Whisky cold and then on ice. Probably not the way you're supposed to drink this caliber of whisky...but that's how I like it.

I'm definitely an amateur at different Whiskys/Whiskeys...having only tried maybe a dozen or more makers...but I've always wanted to try some true Scotch Whisky. I was very happy with the matching of the various flavors, and quite frankly the Sherry flavor didn't really stand out like I thought it might. Not a big fan of Sherry....sorry. But the overall taste and smell was quite pleasing. Very glad I picked this one up! I may have ask for a full size bottle for Christmas!

11th August 2018

This whisky epitomises why Islay is the finest whisky region on the planet. Compared to most Islay's it's relatively smoke free, but there is enough of a hint there to keep you interested along with a some nice spicy tones, but very little burn. Just lovely. Makes you just want to come back for more.

26th July 2018

This didn't blow me away. From reading the reviews I was hoping to find a lightly peated complex sherrybomb, I was eluded. This whisky has quite a light body and the sherry maturation remembered me of Glenfarclas 16, which to me is a far cry from a true sherrybomb like Glendonach or Glen Garioch 15. The subtle peat shining through after the initial sherry sweetness does add some complexity though and I found the finish to be way more satisfying and longer than GF 16.

Although not too complex overall it's a nice and interesting whisky, just don't expect a sherrybomb, you'll be left dissapointed.

20th July 2018

Not a huge fan of Islay malts but this boy is fairly light with the peatiness. Overall a tasty wee dram, it smells like the sea but somehow dry at the same time. Nice smoky aftertaste. I will definitely experiment further with Bunna/Islay jobs 👍

4th July 2018

I picked this up on Ralfy's recommendation as "the lighter side of Islay". Not that I was afraid of peat, I love peat. I really just want to taste every Islay expression.

Anyway, I know some people detect peat in this but not me. I can feel peat even in cheap blends (where it is just barely present to make them taste like an ashtray), in lighter malts (Glenkinchie 12, lovely!). I can't feel ANY peat in this Bunny. No big deal, I also love unpeated malts, especially sherried! This malt is substantial, full bodied and delicious. Practice adding water - you don't want too much but it does benefit from some. And give it plenty of time to breathe and open up. It tastes much older than 12 years.

It may not be "exactly" like Aberlour or sherried Macallan but it's easily on par and in similar part of the swatch.

29th June 2018

Lovely. Especially at this price level. On offer at waitrose for £30 so somewhat overpriced here. Quite woody, bit of sherrry, not a lot of peat (as you'd expect for the other Islay ones).

17th June 2018

Great value, the first half of the bottle was truly fantastic. Unfortunately it seems quality drops extra fast with Bunna 12 as the second half (I finnished the bottle in six mounts time) was pretty ordinary .

29th April 2018

I keep coming back to this whisky after trying many many others. It is absolutely fabulous and fantastic value for money. Rich toffee, chocolate, honey, a little spice, some pepper but no unpleasant burn. This is the one that wil always be in my collection.

14th April 2018

My first venture into Islay. Smooth sweet dried friut bomb at first, but then a tiny puff of smoke with a lovely long dry finish. This isn’t going to last very long.....

16th March 2018

This is such am wonderful coastal malt with a robust complex flavour and great long finish.
But why are MOM charging so much for this? It is only £32 at my local supermarket.

16th March 2018

Not for the peat heads, and maybe not for beginners, but for me; one of the best 12 years old I have ever had. A bit of everything, complex and well rounded.

6th March 2018

First impression is a smooth sherried sweetness, quite complex as fruit appears, and despite not as peaty as its southern Islay cousins you can still close your eyes and taste the rocky salty shoreline.

21st February 2018

I should add to previous review, I've been spending the evening doing some tasting comparisons across several islay expressions, and I've finally got to compare this to Oogie. Whilst it's not as big, there are lots of similarities maybe. The Bunnahabain is more gently peated of course and the initial hit on the palate is gentler, but the sweet sherry hit is also adding to the serenity. I'd almost go ad far to say that the bunnahabain is a softer mire gentle version of Oogie. All I know is that the more I drink it, the more I like it!

1st February 2018

Spotted this lounging next to the A'bunadh that I'd set out to buy, quick look at MoM reviews and figured worth a try for £30. Holy mackerel it's good! It's nothing like my go to Islay collection of Ardbegs and Laphroaigs, but it's so well balanced and such complexity! The 46% abv helps to avoid overpowering the palate, so those fruit flavours shine through with a mild peat background going on. I really enjoyed some Bowmore 15 samples recently, and nearly bought some, but I much prefer this. At this price it's fantastic value, forget buying a supermarket superstar, for the extra tenner this blows their socks off.

15th January 2018

Nose -
Creamy vanilla fudge, soft camomile, some floral notes, green fruits, apple, subtle pear, very faint smoke.

Pallet -
toasted walnuts, some vanilla sweetness, earl grey tea note?, some sour grape (red), rounded yet spicy sherry - Finish - brine with some unground black pepper.

5th December 2017

For me the best 12yr aged malt on the market . The best £40 you can spend if that's your budget.

30th November 2017

What a surprise! The deep, dark sherry notes reminded me of the Glendronach 18. The 18!!! So flavor, much value! It's been a while since I've been wow'ed by a dram, but this one did the trick. A must buy.

28th November 2017

Fantastic complex whisky that compares with the very best. Distilled Christmas Pudding and Panatone in a glass. Excellent and very easy to drink.

22nd November 2017

Not your usual Islay style but an excellently rewarding and balanced malt that I enjoy every time I taste it.

20th November 2017

Now I like smoky peaty whiskies as much as the next guy (as long as that guy likes smoky peaty whiskies), but Bunnahabhain 12 is a different beast. It's not peated and it's not smoky. But boy, is it complex and interesting. It seems a little expensive, but it's not. Dollar for dollar (or euro or yen), it's a bargain. You can't guzzle it on a Friday night (That's what Wild Turkey and Johnnie Walker are for), but you can pour a nice dram once or twice a week to soften the edges of a rough day. Non chill-filtered and uncolored. Buy it. Drink it. Enough said.

19th September 2017

Not what I expected from aa Islay whisky but a nice change from the bombastic smokey nd peaty msamplings common to this part of Scotland. This dram is loaded with fresh fruit with an almond
note. Salty sweet in the back , carmel candy in the front with a spice and brine lingering throughout. Delicious.

2nd September 2017

I've tried almost every Scotch. This has the best flavor at the best price point.

19th July 2017

What a great whisky. See past the price and once it's seen and smelt in the glass you know this is a quality dram that belies it's age. No added colouring makes the rich golden caramel colour even more impressive and higher than normal abv offsets the sweetness and balances perfectly. On the tongue it is fruity and satisfying, feeling much older than it actually is. Suffice to say, one of my favourites

8th July 2017

Find the finishing generally short especially comparing to other Islay malt. However the sherried nose, coupled with sweet and succulent honey coating on palate leaves a tasty, salty, licorice aftertaste. A new favourite as an after-dinner dram. Recommend to pour it over the Chinese dessert herbal jelly!

29th June 2017

Really enjoyed my bottle. Lovely sherry, figgy notes - very figgy actually! Gingerish, a little salty and the peat levels were more than expected but definitely not a peat bomb like you may expect from Islay.

Licorice, fennel and some dry, salty spices on the finish.

It was a tad 'nippy' when first opened but settled beautifully after a month or so.

26th June 2017

Smooth, balanced, subtle, with wonderful undertones from sherry casks. In fact it's so smooth I almost wish it was a tad more peaty. My initiation to Bunnahabhain came via the Whisky shop at Tomintoul, where I was seduced with a single cask bottling from 2003. For me, the only competition comes from Tobermory's Ledaig, although I treasure my store of peated Glendronach!
For now, Bunnahabhain reigns supreme.

6th May 2017

This is a wonderful whisky, rich sherry, oak, salty notes, and light hints of cherry. I also find that there is a very unique smell to this malt; salty sweet, rocky like granite almost. It's a great malt for the price.

24th April 2017

Legs are fast. Lack of viscosity suggest a Oloroso rather than PX cask.
Nose - very sweet, dried fruits and some tropical fruits from the longer fermentation with Lactobacilli beginning to dominate the ethyl acetates, acetate esters and ethyl esters, suggesting a wooden washback. Light smokiness from gentle Peating. Slight rubber from feints.
Slightly sulphur possibly from candle in cask.
Palate - sweet, salty, dried fruits and tropical fruits. Peach, mango,.wood spices detectable but not strong
Finish - medium, sweet, mixed fruit, Sherried at end.

19th November 2016

The taste I found was balanced. Gives the slight undertone, which will have you reaching for more.

25th October 2016

I've tried plenty of single malt scotch whiskies, many substantially more pricey than this. I'm struggling to think of any that I'd enjoyed more or were better value. If you need a huge peat hit, then this ain't for you. However if you want a great tasting, sophisticated spirit, look no further. For me this is a treasure of Islay. It's beautifully balanced with just a subtle trace of smoke, a magnificent sweet backbone & a lingering finish. I rate the Islay scotches as king & this is a worthy prince of the realm!

25th September 2016

Terribly disappointed. looked forward to tasting a real Islay malt but this was not a patch on Lagavulin. It had a weird taste and was sweet yet acrid .I'll keep it for taking spots of the carpet

21st September 2016

Rather liked this, and have gotten several bottles. A good reception from friends, to it.

31st August 2016

A wee bit of heaven on earth.

24th August 2016

Excellent

28th July 2016

East or South European fruit or grain double distilled moonshine would taste adequately better considering ridiculously huge difference in price.

18th July 2016

I hate peat, and I hate it in whisky, but this one has just the right amount to love it and enjoy with friends. Highly recommended for somebody who loves Glengoyne and Speyside whiskies (Just like I do.).

8th July 2016

I'm with you Mr Frank (2 reviews below). If they have to put the price up, to maintain a proper age-statement entry level malt of this standard, then so be it.

If you're exploring peated whiskies, it's a stone cold must.

31st May 2016

Loved this malt,heaven

14th May 2016

Tried it for the first time 20 years ago and although the price keeps going up from year to year this one does it for me.

12th May 2016

Normally, I would always drink a sherried malt, as being an Aussie, I think we have a sweeter tooth than those from the "Old World". Firstly, it was Pigs Nose (YUK!) - then it was Lagavulin 16,which is commendable, and then Bunnahabhain 12.........!
Certainly a very smooth well made spirit and better than Tobermory 15. 97 points

27th April 2016

Surprisingly delightful and provocative! I give it 4 out of 5 stars. As for the Nose, off in the distance I get hints of Maple syrup (Pancakes). If you bury your nose into the dram your olfactory glands are assaulted with the scent isopropyl alcohol....opening up your nostrils.

Palate: It has a certain boldness and complexity to it. At first sip, it's excitingly warm like a kiss from a new love, but the memory of it is lost soon after, leaving you wanting for more. Now as a novice connoisseur (oxymoronic, like "Jumbo Shrimp"), maybe I'm not the best one to evaluate the dram...because my taste buds are not that distinguishing....e.g., I can appreciate a good hotdog as well as an average hamburger. As a matter of fact, I was eating a slice of pizza along with a side glass of Moscato while sipping on my Bunnahabhain aperitif....at home as if I was at some resort taking in the astonishing simplicities of life. "Well at the end of the day isn't that truly what it's all about friend?"

Finish - It does have a lingering effect on the throat....sherry like and pleasantly warm but not overwhelming so.

History about me: I'm a Novice, went to a Scotch tasting for the first time last summer (2015) in Wash. D.C.; the varieties offered were Aberlour, Oban, Balvenie and Yamazki 12 yr. Single Malt (SM). The pours were in plastic containers (cups)...the overhead ceiling fans were on blowing down onto the crowd and the drinks, which in my opinion oxidized the scotches just setting out at the different tasting stations...but hands down for me was the Yamazki 12 yr. SM.

My Recent M of M Purchases - Nikka W. from the Barrell (Japanese), Paul John (Peated Select Cask-Indian), Yamazaki Reserve (Japanese), and Nikka All Malt (Japanese). Since then, I've acquired a couple of bottles of Bunnahabhain 12 here in the US for $49.00 each) and a bottle of "The Dalmore Aged 12 yr. (Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey) for about $25.00.

Rating - Of the four scotches I purchased from MoM:

Nikka fr. the Barrell was number one for me. However, my number two, was Paul John. It's simply to die for (but don't do it, live on and enjoy the Whiskey). The "nose" by far for me as a Novice, stands alone. When you first whiff the aroma, your olfactory glands and brain reverberate saying "Whoah, what is that"...oak, chemical, what? The aroma captivates and assaults your nose like a Muhammed Ali right hook coming at you from out of nowhere, prompting you to say, "Where'd the hell did that come from". But I do agree with the Chaps at M of M (MoM)...the nose is very earthy, not sure about the salt though. As for the palate, MoM is "spot on" BBQ Smoke" all the way. Relative to the Finish, there is something about the flavor, quite can't put my finger on it, that lingers on your tongue long after you've finished the dram, shot, snifter or whatever your choice of drinking glass is. Just do me a favor, "no plastic cups" please. Use an acceptable drinking glass. By the way, the Paul John Peated Select Cask is escalating in price real fast. So if you like peated whiskeys, I'd advise you to jump on this one asap before the price skyrockets. Bon appetite!

25th March 2016

What a great whisky. Bought This in Germany because it was 10 euro's cheaper than in Holland. As a fan of Islay whisky I had great aspectations for This one. I knew before I bought This one that it is unpeated Islay whisky and that it might be a disappointment. But it wasn't at all! It is superbe stuff for me. I still love peated whisky, but when I am in the mood for a softer, more delicate, well balanced whisky, this is my dram! The different tastes come in so gentle, even when I swallow there is nothing hostile about this whisky. Not that I can't enjoy a brute force heavely peated troat burning Islay whisky anymore, but now I have a choice between two very different styles, without ' getting of ' Islay. Thanks for that Bunnahabhain!

19th March 2016

For my dime, this is a wonderful dram. Very nice lingering flavors of sherry, smoke, peat and salt. No color added, no chill-filtration. Yes.

4th March 2016

This is different than other Islays I've had so far. Not to strongly peated, which can be good at times. & you'd never guess it had a higher alcohol content than 40% because it was so light with a dry finish & no burn at all. The main thing that stood out to me though was the sweet fruity nose & taste. Wasn't sure I liked it at 1st, but by the 3rd sip I knew I had to have a second dram. (just to test it of course) I can see that this wouldn't be for everyone, but I'll keep a bottle around for when I want something different.

25th February 2016

This was my go to for many years but this batch for 2016 is not up to par. Something is off. Doesn't have the depth it used to. Still has the nose but the palate creaminess is gone and the finish is short. Tired casks?

24th February 2016

Bought this one and also the móine version, both taste terrible and pored half the glas down the drain. I couldn't even finish it! Verry weird taste and its not for me. Many people like it but not me :) i stay with Highland park, ardbeg and laga in the future..

20th February 2016

Have they changed this whisky as i've bought 2 bottles of this over the last few months and both bottles were not like they used to be. They tasted and smelt heavily of bourbon. Bunnahabhain 12 is one of my favourites and this is not the bunnahabhain I love

10th February 2016

At first this tastes and drinks like a gently sherry'd Speysider. There's a hint of peat in the finish, some salinity right at the start of the development followed mostly by the gentle, but noticeable, sherry influence. As you let it linger, other interesting notes hinting more to its Islay origins start to surface; iodine, subtle medicinal tang just at the edges. For a 12 year old, it's remarkably developed, with a great underlying malt matured in some excellent wood.

TL;DR: Buy this, it really is excellent.

2nd February 2016

Nose - Sweet cereal, faint toasted grain
Palate - light bready sweetness with figs and nuts. A touch of salinity.. touch of toasted grain again on last chew.
Finish - oaky, slight sherry and figs.
My go to all around dram. It fits every almost every occasion.

1st February 2016

Far too sweet for me. Syrupy . Soooo wanted to like this. Opened the bottle at Christmas and wasn't impressed then ( my bottle of Benromach walks all over it ) . Decided to try again tonight but no, it's just as bad. Definately one of my poorer choices and won't be buying another bottle. Sorry 😔

24th January 2016

This was recently recommend to me by retailer in the US. Selling for $55. A great bargain compared to other single malts and a very unique flavor. I love it!

21st January 2016

Very nice. Will not dissapoint you.

30th December 2015

Really lovely drop. Very well balanced with a great smooth slightly sweet finish. Very subtle peat which is great as I find heavily peated a bit much sometimes...

29th December 2015

Just got this as a holiday present and it is everything they say it is!

13th December 2015

This is definitely not your typical peat-fest isla whiskey (which I enjoy, but I do get a bit overwhelmed by sometimes). The review below with tasting notes is bang on, I especially like the interesting metallic note on the nose which I feel becomes slightly more pronounced when adding water. Fabulous stuff.

12th December 2015

I started drinking whisky 10 years now, never like it before because I had never taste single barel whiskies . Now bunnahabain is my favorite. Sweet and earthy , smooth and long finish. I think is the best whiskey l ever taste before , but I am not an expert . Difficult to find in my country . My second choice is aberlour. I like lagavulin and Caolila but just one or two zips . I also like Blanton's.

30th November 2015

I decided to try Bunna 12 again after a long hiatus. I first game gave this dram a bad review, but I gave it another shot I have grown to appreciate it. It has a very distinct oily sherry tone that makes this one of the smoothest 12 years you will have. If you like bourbon and sherry...then this is your scotch.

27th November 2015

This bottle is good bottle. Tasting good.
Thanks

17th September 2015

Not a long finish. I wouldn't have guessed that peat is in there.. a higher ppm would have scewed this in the right diretion, in my opinion (and personal preference ofc).
That being said, it is a nice expression from Bunnahabhain worth trying, but nothing special.

3rd September 2015

I find this to be one of best 12yr on the market right now. I'm having a glass as I write this. The nose is powerful. A lot of alcohol up front followed by a mild sweetness, diluted honey. Palate: It glides across the mouth like high thread count cotton sheets. Salty, smoky, a bit of dried fruit. Finish: long, spice, A deep complexity that seems to be constant flux. Rich and earthy.

3rd September 2015

Very similar to Jura 16, which I also like. Sherry sweet to a degree I enjoy. I'll buy another Bunnahabhain if I can find it.

29th August 2015

☆☆☆☆☆

22nd August 2015

Similar to the chaps at M.O.M. (Cheers guys!)

My bar is temperature controlled, and UV protected. I used a stemmed (and stemless) glencairn, along with a port glass for this review-- after three 750ml bottles were eventually finished. I am mindful of humidity levels, upright storage (proper for whiskey), oxidization/rate of consumption, in-glass breathing, temperature, and clean tasting environments. I use a handwarming technique, I employ various palatting techniques and nosing positions. I never use scented or bar soap to wash my hands. I hand-wash my glasses to avoid dishwasher residue, double rinse with the whiskey itself that I'm going to pour-- unless water is desired (really good water, not all bottled water is acceptable to me). I am careful to remove the collar foil, and avoid finger contact with the cork when opening and closing. I'm mindful of what I eat and when I ate it before and after enjoying a whiskey, and I experiment with food pairings.

Nose: P.X. sherry imparts (butterscotch, toffee, meaty, nutty), coastal air, hazelnuts, broken-in leather, seaweed, toasted cereals, heather, Bunnahabhain's signature "metalic", aroma-- which on closer examination, breaks down into a combination of heather, florals and fruits. UNDERTONES OF: cornedbeef-stewed cabbage, figs, dates, Bartlett pears, cedar, oak, raw walnuts, hibiscus plant, chamomile tea, iodine, campfire smoke, molasses, cardamom, and an earthiness I can only describe as powdered cinnamon that's lost its potency from being in the spice cupboard for years.

Nose with water: doesn't transform in any unusual way, like some whiskies can. Nothing is hidden really, but the fresh fruits come out a bit clearer...butterscotch is more dominant.

Mouth-feel: overall, is somewhat drying, resinous.

Palate (entry): iodized table salt, sweet maritime freshness, fresh fruits, cereals, heather...vibrant, juicy sweet, and Salty!
Palate (middle): Hazelnuts-- big time! Heather becomes stronger, salt is still there but fades shortly into the middle. Dark spices, dried fruits, toasted malt, citrus (orange, tangerine) are the major notes here.
Palate (finish): loooong, salt returns and lingers with butterscotch and hazelnuts...heather continues on, and I get a whisp of campfire smoke, and a touch of iodine...oak is strong, but not too strong...just right.
Palate (aftertaste-- after the fireworks finish): salted roasted hazelnuts...resinous, sticky mouth-feel. Sherry imparts linger a long time and make themselves at home.

Overall: Not for diehard peat heads looking for the Laphroaig of years past. I would recommend this to anyone without such expectations-- it's an extraordinary sherried Islay that is so well balanced, I can't help but think that such perfection was made on accident (but with good intentions, of course). This is certainly one of the best 12s I've had, and a very loveable whiskey. One of only a few I can honestly say is not only flawless, but way ahead of its class. I've bought 5 bottles of this amazing single malt so far at $70 a piece. I'm interested in more of this, and G&M's Mortlach 15 as soon as I can afford it (and find it)...if Oregon would allow deliveries, I'd be a very good customer of M.O.M. (great prices and rep!)

22nd August 2015

For a 12 year old (and I'm not saying whiskies that aren't 21-29 years old are inferior by default...I simply mean compared to others in the 12 year age class)-- this simply doesn't get any better, only different. I'm an experienced and well read whiskey enthusiast, and know that 1st hand experience is far more valuable than reading tasting notes (so go buy one!). I use 3 palatting techniques (critical to experiment with!). I pay attention to what foods I eat might subtly affect a particular whiskey I sip even an hour or more after a meal, I pioneer food pairings as well...I'm no noobie, and I say that this is perfectly balanced, perfection in a bottle. About palatting techniques (briefly), find a very, very dry whiskey, and experiment with different palatting techniques until you can make it taste sweet-- because whatever flavors might be revealed in doing so, will only be enjoyed IF, you do so...experiment with various ways you sip, and swallow (never gulp even a small sip! Swallow it in 2-3 miniature intervals while palatting). Yes, that was the brief explanation, have fun learning the rest :) This is the best era Bunnahabhain has seen in a decade, I appreciate the fine attention to detail from this distillery lately-- it's never been better in my experience. Looong finish for a 12 too! Highly recommend even to those weary of Islays. :) I just finished my third bottle, with two more unopened.

22nd August 2015

I don't know what you regularly drink but this is about as natural and authentic as it gets. Unchill filtered and natural colour and an age statement as well. It might not rock yor socks but artificial it most definitely is not.

23rd June 2015

Before I get slammed I think this is a safe scotch. It is well balanced and smooth but just doesn't have that wow factor when you try it. It is good but there are better entry level drams available. Good but not great.

22nd May 2015

went to my local liquor store to get highland park 12 year but they were out so ended up getting bunnahabhain 12 year and I have to say this is a wonderful dram. I saw Islay on the bottle and thought this was going to be very peaty but was pleasantly surprised. tastes slightly smoky but not peaty more of a charred wood smoke with a lot of herbal bitterness and a hint of seaweed. the sherry is there but not so much that it takes away from the other flavors . all in allost well rounded scotch I think I've had tastes like everything I love about scotch in one bottle . this will have a permanent spot in my whisky cabinet

1st April 2015

Not as peaty as most other Islays. At first I was a little disappointed with the immediate taste lacking that classic taste of the sea, but the Bunna 12 has a great mouth feel with a smokiness that lingers with tastes of vanilla and honey almonds. It has a long finish, and when you add some water it really opens up some more of that peat/sea salt taste.

Very affordable and is a great Islay for any newbies to this type of scotch.

22nd March 2015

I'm the first to say reviews should never ever be scrutinized. But anyone reading this needs to know that this is basically a non-peated whisky, very much the exception to the Islay "rule". In fact, Bunnahabhain brings in fresh spring water from the source to avoid any that may have run thru a bog, and uses low-phenolic malted barley.

You obviously like your Islay peat, which is wonderful - I love them too - but saying Bunnahabhain tasted sherried is well... very correct! Sherry casks are employed at this distillery. Did you not see the tasting notes from the fine Chaps at Master of Malt?

Having any dram let you down is never good. While you may be disappointed, I don't think it was the whisky's fault. Hopefully you can find it a good home!

17th March 2015

I didn't like this scotch at all at first because of the sherry flavor. BUT I added a little water and tried it again. Water is key in bringing out the great flavors of this scotch. It has a very short finish, but is extremely smooth. There really isn't any smoke/peat flavor here...Bunnahabhain 12 has it's own flavor.

17th March 2015

After reading all the reviews I was excited to add this to my 30 bottle collection of mostly Islay scotches. I was extremely disappointing since this tasted just like a sherried bourbon. I couldn't even get down one glass because of the awful flavor. I will stick with my Laphroaig, Lagavullin, Smokehead, Ledaig, Ardbeg, and Bowmore in my normal rotation.

16th March 2015

Without a doubt you will not find a more complex 12yo whisky on the market for this price. Money well spent. You won't be disappointed.
P.S- don't tell anyone else about this...I don't want them getting in on my supply;)

11th March 2015

This has become my go-to dram when I am not looking for something specific (peat bomb, sherry bomb, etc). It is extremely well rounded; you get a bit of everything, and it works very well together. I hadn't tried it prior to the improvements (46.3%, no coloring, non-chill filtered), but from what I hear, those of you who weren't impressed before should really give this one another taste. Great.

10th March 2015

This is my go-to whisky, and I'm not ashamed to say it. No color and un-chillfiltered? Yes please! This has the maturity and complexity of a much older malt, a perfect balance of saltiness and sweet, and coastal characteristics that will take you right to the water's edge where the Bunnahabhain distillery sits.

An amazing taste experience for the price! Guaranteed you'll feel the salt air, hear the gulls, and smell the damp green hills when you escape in this beautiful dram. It's worth every penny!

Still on the fence? Order a sample from the chaps at Master of Malt!

4th March 2015

I rarely find fault with a scotch. Not sure this one falls into that category. it tastes industrial, false and even tacky. I taste molasses and not enough bite. I regret purchasing a bottle; a first for this scotch lover.

19th February 2015

I had my first taste of this last night and its my 5th Islay and I liked it the best of them all so far. The Laphroaig 10 and 18 are kind of single trick ponies, The Coal Ila 12 was great. The Ardbeg Corryvreckan is great as was the Kilchoman but I think the Bunnahabhain 12 is my favorite Islay now. Very little smoke and not a lot of typical over the top Islay flavor but very well rounded overall.

31st January 2015

One of the most tasteful of the 12-year old single malts. Sweet, caramel, hint of smoke, oak. Well matured and rich!!! Yummy!

19th January 2015

Love this whisky. Can't say enough good about it.
The color is a gorgeous caramel. The nose is a pure delight, maple, orange, rosebuds, cinnamon and nutmeg.
The taste . . . a pure delight. Not as much peat as I like in an Islay but just a pleasure to drink. Similar to Highland Park 12, or Glenfiddich 18, which are two of my favorites. If I had a choice between the three . . . oh my! . . . might be this Bunnahabhain.

18th January 2015

This is the first un-chillfiltered whisky that i tried. The taste explosion blew me away! The stuff is awesome with a slight bit of peat in the background. it really stands out for me, very well balanced, one of a kind and really worth a try.

5th January 2015

Oops, forgot to add star rating - 5* of course :)

30th December 2014

Interesting to read the varied reviews of Bunna 12YO - I think much is down to one's experience and expectations. I wouldn't say that it's one for malt whisky beginners nor for someone trying an Islay malt for the first time. Complex, unusual, rewarding, even 'burnt rubber' - it's all of those. I love it. I couldn't say which is my favourite Islay malt but Bunna 12YO is up there with Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Lagavulin. And much cheaper than any of those!

30th December 2014

This whisky is good start to discover the peat taste. It has only 1-2 ppm phenol. You will not be shocked, as I was for the first time tasted Lagavulin 16 (about 35-40 ppm) :)
Smooth and balanced drink. I recommend.

26th December 2014

Not much to find on the nose, just some salted caramel and sea air. However, the surprisingly smooth, every so sweet and smoky palate lends itself to a long buttery finish with subtle complexities. Overall a very enjoyable dram, with light peat and great finish! Not overly complex, but far from being one-noted. A superb whisky for the price!!

23rd December 2014

What a delightful surprise. My wife and I visited Bunnahabhain whilst staying in Islag at the Laphroaig View Guest house. Since arriving back in South Australia, I have purchased two 12 year old Bunnahabhain Whisky bottles and I have introduced several people to this most excellent Whisky - smooth, lovely nose, lingering mellow aftertaste - thank you.

20th December 2014

By far my favourite single malt. Not to peaty and long lasting smooth finish. Can't say much more other than it is truly a sublime whisky! SP

14th December 2014

(yum)

10th December 2014

i don't really like peat but I love this! Just a hint and well balanced with a touch of sweetness and spice.

15th November 2014

Much better than many flat 12 year old speysides and excellent value. I keep coming back to Bunna 12. - it just does it for me. Lovely long finish and bottled at 46%. It has all the Islay magic without much peat.

15th November 2014

very tasty

11th November 2014

You have to have some scotch experience to like this. Awesome in a word. Peat, salt, spice, with a cocoa/buttery textured finish.

6th November 2014

Just plain delicious. What more can be said.
Can't imagine a better whisky for the price . . . and even for double the price.
I am a Highland Park 12 lover (as well as several Islays) and this is right up there with the best of the best.
Glad I discovered it.

3rd November 2014

Stunning quality and complexity at this age and price. An Islay malt which deserves much more attention. Add a little water and you'll be in malt heaven.

9th October 2014

I am now half way through my second bottle of this amazing whisky. There is bags of flavour and for me it has just the right amount of peaty smoke. I love its sweet salty fruit freshness and the darker complex sherry undertones. One of those rare drams that you can't be without and great value bottled at over 46%.

8th October 2014

Sweet and hint of liqourice root. Warm and comforting

28th September 2014

While I agree with many that Bunnahabhain 12 seems to have just a touch of peat, which melds perfectly with this sherry bomb of a whisky, according to the distillery it is actually unpeated. I struggle to believe it because it means all that smoky flavor in it comes purely from the wood.

20th September 2014

This dram offers good value for it's money. I love the amber color to start with. The body is light and rolls cleanly through your glass. On the nose, it's quite gentle, with both hints of seaside and meadowy landscapes. The palate reveals a smooth herbal sensation, ultimately resulting in a medium long finish characterized by a trace of pepper and more herbs. Definitely enjoyable whisky which is nicely accesable and friendly on the tongue.

29th August 2014

£28 odd on offer at waitrose, really glad I picked it up, lovely :)

25th August 2014

... foot of the river

22nd August 2014

n anybody tell me what Bunnahabhain means?

19th August 2014

This has been a real discovery. I picked up a bottle while visiting Islay and have really enjoyed it. Rich, complex flavours with a beautiful, dark chocolate finish. I highly recommend it.

24th July 2014

I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy this. We have had many bottles and most expressions including a lovely 14 year old from Chieftain's Choice.#
Really enjoying the 25 year old at present.
Would like the old style bottle back with the older fisherman on the front as I liked it.

23rd June 2014

I was given a bottle as a gift and really enjoyed it - a touch of peat but considerably less than most Islay malts. A lovely expression.

5th June 2014

Bought this on the highest recommendation of ralfy.com. First time he's lead me astry (so I assume that the fault lies with inconsistency at Bunnahabhain!)

This malt simply tastes rancid--like a cross between burnt rubber and rotting meat. It's completely undrinkable and I don't even think I could blend the off flavors away.

24th March 2014

A beautiful dram

11th March 2014

I picked this up along with the sister brand Deanston 12 when they were offered at a £10 discount at my local supermarket. They are both bottled unchillfiltered at over 46% and represent great value. The Bunna has more flavour and a fair degree of peat influence without it taking control. My only disappointment is a distinctly musty nose, but it is less obvious on the palate. All in all, a cracker of a single malt. I shall be ordering more at full price.

4th March 2014

Bunnahabhain 12 and Highland Park 12 always stay in my cabinets....

11th January 2014

If you like lightly peated, lightly sweet, this is a good drink. I love the extra alcohol burn, but it disguises some flavor. Worth trying but a bit pricey

18th December 2013

Life is a a bowl of cornflakes isn't it? Bunnahabhain own up to 1 million casks, all of which are on their 3rd or 4th use. The bunna 12 was the bottle which started my obsession/addiction to whisky many moons ago. Sadly, a visit to the distillery this year confirmed the crisis they are in - tired casks, maximum production reached, a lack of cask storage and infrastructure expenditure neglect have culminated in the drop in quality of this revered dram. I hope the new owners, Distell will create the turnaround. Until then, forget the 12, enjoy the 18 and cross fingers all will be well for the future.

5th November 2013

I'm new to Whisky but I've had enough experience to know great whisky exists and this isn't a great. Maybe older versions would be better to mellow out the alcohol sting idk. It's better with water but not something I'd recommend or buy again.

1st November 2013

Reminded me of a mild Brandy, too much sherry. I was disappointed because I paid $ 50 hoping to get some peat and smokey flavour but got none.

1st November 2013

...lots going on and a completely different animal with just a splash of water...high up there on the flavour scale for the money and very refined...I dont give many a 10

24th October 2013

A deep amber colour for a 12 year old, with a good, medium body, leads to a rather disappointing and offensive nose. Orange peel and spices are evident, along with slight banana notes. The high alcohol content is very prominent in the nose.
To taste, initially it is smooth, however as soon as the whisky is allowed to settle on the palate, the bite is overwhelming. Adding water eases the bite and relaxes the palate to succumb to the almost non-existent finish.
In summary, an Islay Whisky that has none of the stereotypical characteristics of the well loved "Islay's"
Characterless and alcoholic.

6th October 2013

a seaside breeze of salty peat followed by gentle smooth vanilla and a beautiful oily brininess of a mouth feel thanks to the no-chill filtration still vibrant and clean with note of citrus coming through and a slight nuttiness on the finish only a drop of water needed if any and after 10/15 minutes a caramel smell develops beautiful, a great whisky in my book, the reviewer above has obviously lost all sense of smell and taste especially if he/she can not smell that PEAT.

1st October 2013

На вкус и запах как солодовая брага. Да, есть мягкость и херес угадывается, торфа и дыма нет вообще. Очень своеобразный и противный солод. Самый худший что я пил. Отзывы о нём сильно преувеличены. На любителя.

(Translation using Google translate: The taste and smell like malt brewed beer. Yes, there is a softness and sherry guessed, peat and smoke not at all. Very peculiar and nasty malt. The worst that I've been drinking. Feedback was greatly exaggerated. An amateur.)

8th June 2013

Got it as a present so it had a head start but have to say smooth as silk - a definite winner!

21st May 2013

Tastes like Christmas.

14th May 2013

I will not be without this one. It is outstanding in its class/price.
The more I have drunk it the better i have liked it. I would have no hesitation in recomending it to you.

Johnny Norfolk

13th April 2013

Setting my Easter , decided to have some and cork broke in the bottle. First cork that ever broke off In a whisky bottle for me. Other than a stopper in there now, should i make a fuss and take back to the store? Anyone else have this problem? I have hardly had more than 4-5 tots. Interested in your opinion. Mike - Ssouth Africa

1st April 2013

We had a blind tasting of six different Islays. There were nine of us sampling all the drams and it was unanimous, the 12yo Bunnahabhain was the worst of the six. Burnt rubber was actually written on two separate note cards.

13th February 2013

Beautiful details in the nose. Caramels and apricots. A touch of water opens it up and brings more smiles. No artificial coloring and not chill filtered, too. A great, great sip. The bottle empties quickly.

11th February 2013

Creamy and smooth. An excellent value. I much prefer the Bunnahabhain 25 (10 out of 10!), but for far less money, you can get this and pretend it's the 25!

5th February 2013

I've a wee taste by the fire every evening; it is the best part of my day.

31st December 2012

Certainly a game of too halves.- neat it is strong and sherried - add a dash (more Like a drip!) and it becomes a smooth fruity Xmas pudding of a malt with a hint of vanilla hanging round the edges. Exceptional - and a bottle you want to keep exploring further to unearth its hidden flavours !

6th October 2012

One of the best single malts i have ever tasted, the bottle runs out far too quick though ;)

9th June 2012

Jim Murray doesn't like it - but I think it's great. Plenty of punch and nice caramels. No peat but still an Islay great.

3rd June 2012

This is the best malt i have ever drunk!Every sip from this brings back good old memories.Its aroma reminds me of wild peaches,wet smoke,cinnamon and the salty sea air.Without a doubt the king of malts.I need a drink now!

29th March 2012

Sherried, black currant, lightly seaweed, nutty, smooth spices. A very different than older presentation, but not necessarily better. I have to mention, that when I have less than 1/5 bottle left, it suddenly started to taste very bitter and sulfuric. Maybe oxygen influence? I hope that was just a dud, because otherwise this is a great stuff.

29th February 2012

Beautiful, chust....

7th December 2011

stars

4th October 2011

with sherry touch - pronounced peat, that does not overwhelm the spicy, ftuity bodeaux- note, but still makes very clear it´s islay scotch of the finest

4th October 2011

with sherry touch - pronounced peat, that does not overwhelm the spicy, ftuity bodeaux- note, but still makes very clear it´s islay scotch of the finest

4th October 2011

Definately the King of Malt

30th September 2011

Is he sitting on Shergar?

8th September 2011

If you look closely you can see that without any doubt the character on the bottle is Lord Lucan in disguise. Surely the police can get him at last!

15th December 2009