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.
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.
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!!
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.
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
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