Bunnahabhain's Stiùireadair single malt pays homage to the distillery's shoreline on the north-east coast of Islay. They used whisky matured in first and second fill Sherry casks, with a leaning towards deliciously coastal malt.
Brine, toasted sugar and caramel-drizzled raisins.
Honey-roasted nuts, cinnamon and clove, with a touch of salt sea too.
Sherried peels and chilli-chocolate.
Caught the caramel, not much else. The twelve year old is much better. Drinkable no real flavors.
Not as good as 12 but still rather pleasant to savour and nice nutty flavours throughout.Total bargain for £26.
I can see why fans are divided over this one. It doesn't have the sweetness or strong 'salty' maritime quality that other Bunna's are famous for. Nor is it a sherry bomb despite being aged in 1st and 2nd fill sherry casks. What it does have is white pepper and a light clean earthy quality with a bit of lime rind on the nose, yet caramel and just a hint of coastal breeze on the taste, oh and chilli pepper (but not in an aggressive way). Complex but not as broadly appealing as usual for this distillery.
The Bunnahabhain 12 year old was my favourite whisky. Since this new one was brought out, I can't seem to find it anywhere. I bought a bottle of the Stiùireadair & to be frank it doesn't even come close. I have now switched to Bowmore 12 year old. Such a shame : even my wife who is not a whisky drinker liked the old Bunnahabhain.
I've partaken of more than a few malts in my time and I've often wondered where those doing the tasting notes get their ideas from! This one does it for me, though! I can't find the salt in the smell or taste. OK, maybe a little now in the aftertaste, but all the other stuff the Chaps at Master of Malt said is in there! Toasted sugar and caramel, spices, sherried peel and chilli chocolate!
