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.
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.
Toffee and caramel forward. Not much peat or smoke, but a lot of things going on in this dram. Non-chill filtered, no color added. Love that they bottled this at 46.3%. Great mouthfeel. Total bargain for this bottle.
