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 is an outstanding 12 year old. One of the best core-range 12s available and probably the best overall bang-for-the-buck whisky you can get. If you're looking for a cracking sherried daily-drinker or a nice whisky gift that doesn't break the bank, look no further. For my taste, there is no better whisky available for under £40. Sometimes you can catch this on offer for around £30, which is a steal. It has a pleasingly rich, sherry nose with notes of dried fruit and warm spices. Fantastic mouthfeel; smooth and round on the palate with a pleasant sweetness. Excellent finish with more fruity notes and also nice nutty and exotic fruit flavours. When I was tasting it, someone said "foam bananas" and suddenly that was all I could taste. A very high-quality and pleasing dram. Accessible, rich, rewarding and balanced. If you've never tried Bunnahabhain before, then I'd recommend starting here.
A very pleasant dram, lovely nose and once it airs a bit turns decadently sweet and nutty.
You experiment with other brands and when you return after a while it's like being reunited with your most faithful and trusted friend.
My favourite
Tried this as a miniture and found that a few drops of water and time in the glass really helps. I got something different on the nose every time. Sweet and salty with a chocolaty orange finish. I will be upgrading to a full bottle for sure.
