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.
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.
One of the most tasteful of the 12-year old single malts. Sweet, caramel, hint of smoke, oak. Well matured and rich!!! Yummy!
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.
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.
Oops, forgot to add star rating - 5* of course :)
