Bunnahabhain 12yo

Description

Deriving from the Gaelic for “mouth of the river”, Bunnahabhain was founded in 1881 by William Robertson and brothers James and William Greenless. A very smooth, easy-drinking Islay malt, Bunnahabhain (pronounced BOO-na-HAven”) closed and reopened twice during the twentieth century and eventually production was limited to a mere few weeks annually following Edrington’s 1999 acquisition of previous owners Highland Distillers.

In 2003, Edrington sold Bunnahabhain to Burn Stewart Distilleries for 10 million. Included in this deal was the popular blend Black Bottle, whose contents feature a quantity of spirit from every distillery on Islay. Today, production stands at 2.5million litres a year. Of this, 21,000 casks are kept at the distillery for maturation and the resultant whisky will be used for the Black Bottle blend and for bottling as Bunnahabhain single malt. The rest of the outturn is sent for maturation elsewhere. In relative solitude, Bunnahabhain is the Northern-most Islay distillery. It sits in a large bay to the North East of the isle, drawing its water from the Margadale Spring.

Bunnahabhain 12yo

Ever popular, this flagship bottling from Bunnahabhain is not your typical Islay single malt. Unlike most whiskies from the region, the Bunnahabhain Distillery produces almost entirely unpeated expressions, and is better known for its softer and more oily character. This 12 year old has been aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, giving it a sweet and nutty flavour. Its position by the coast has also added a touch of saltiness. The brand has had a redesign, and in 2010, the strength was upped to 46.3% – giving it more complexity.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet and fruity with notes of blackcurrent jam, vanilla, cloves and a hint of seaweed.

Palate: Rich sherry and roasted nuts balanced with sweet malt and sultanas. A warming spice gives way to velvety caramel and a subtle coastal influence.

Finish: Long and lingering, rich, full-bodied and a spray of sea salt.