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.
☆☆☆☆☆
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!)
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.
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.
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.
