The fantastic flagship from Bunnahabhain (pronounced boo-na-ha-ven), launched as the distillery's original single malt in 1979, this Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old. It is aged in a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks and, since a relaunch in 2010, has been bottled at a big 46.3% ABV without chill-filtration or additional colouring. Very impressive. Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is unpeated, unlike most Islay whisky, but has a beautiful coastal quality complemented by its fruity, light, sweet and nutty character. It’s one of those whiskies that newcomers and enthusiasts alike appreciate.
Fresh, sweet, and a little floral. There’s seaweed, rich malt, dried fruit, camphor, caramel, chocolate orange, and apple poached in cinnamon.
Soft and supple with a nutty, sherried quality leading among vanilla, marmalade, sultanas, and a bright coastal element.
Mochaccino, dried herbs, Christmas cake spice, and a balanced salty tang.
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.
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.
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!
I've a wee taste by the fire every evening; it is the best part of my day.
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 !
