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.
Nosing : sherry , dried fruit , Christmas cake , marzipan, dark chocolate and mocha. Palate : Leathery , oiley , rich , slightly North African spice and maritime notes. Finish : Long , oak and woody , Briney and burnt toast . Marks out of 100 . Enjoyable 91.
Not much I can add that hasn't already been said about how good this is. I always have a bottle of this on the shelf and always will.
My favourite Islay whisky. The saltiness and sherry notes combine beautifully
Basically, I’m a fan of peat and I purchased this as it’s an Islay, but I failed to read the clearly stated fact that this is non peated. But wow, I wasn’t disappointed, this is simply phenomenal. For it’s price I can’t think of anything comparable. So much richness and complexity. On the non peated front I also have have a Aberlour 15 year in the cupboard but it doesn’t come close to this despite being generally £10-£15 more expensive. I can see this becoming a regular.
Best upeated 12 YO single malt for me!
