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.
I was after the Bunny 12 but it wasn't in stock at my local supermarket but they had this in on offer at £26 so I took a punt. So glad I did, absolutely delicious and dangerously quaffable. I compared it to a bottle of Lagavulin 16 that I currently have open and this came out on top regardless of the price consideration.
This reminded me of Speyburn 10 which isn’t exactly a good thing. Young and poor cask whisky go into this in my opinion. You’re much better going for the standard 12 year old which to me, is a much better representation of what the distillery can produce (and can be had for less than this from from a certain supermarket beginning with W). Some reviews mention the lack of peat, which shouldn’t come as surprise as Bunnahabhain is known as the Islay distillery that produces predominantly unpeated Whisky!
Bought this from my local Morrisons on special offer at £26. The nose is a little disconcerting, very like my experience with Glenrothes select. I found a predominant aroma of vulcanised rubber. I have to admit that I was surprised. The foretaste was very like my 18yo Dalmore, which to be honest, I am not a huge fan of. Very fierce and oily. Not altogether unpleasant, but not great either. The aftertaste was sweet and rich in caramel which was more Speyside than Islay for me. The lack of peat and smoke left me a little disappointed; not what I'd have expected from one of my favourite Islay distilleries. Interesting is probably the kindest description I could apply. After two reasonable drams, I found the oiliness causing my mouth to feel "coated", but unfortunately, not in the pleasant way.
Pretty pretty good Plenty of flavour and excellent value. Mine cost £26 so what’s there not to like. The sherry notes and higher peat value pack in more complexity than the standard 12 year old that has lost its charm in recent bottlings.
Just don't get this whisky at all, overwhelming taste of raisin, figs and caramel, becomes a little sickly after a while.
