Review #: 54
Description: Bunnahabhain 12 Year
Spirit: Scotch
Background: Bunnahabhain is a distillery on Islay, but it is more known for it’s unpeated brands than the smoky competitors on the southern part of the island. The 12 Year is their flagship brand and with a blend of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, it should have a nice balance of flavor. Unchillfiltered and no color added, it is bottled at 46.3% so it’s stats tick all the boxes for what you would want in an OB. Let’s see how it tastes.
Distillery – Bunnahabhain
Bottler – Bunnahabhain
Brand – Bunnahabhain
Selection – N/A
ABV – 46.3%
Age – 12 Years
Nose – Sweet malt, floral, vanilla, nutmeg
Taste – Creamy and smooth mouthfeel, sweet stone fruit, vanilla
Finish – Light cinnamon and spice, light maltiness
Score: 5
Would I buy a bottle? For current pricing, no (~$60). Looks like European pricing is closer to $40 which I think would be very fair
Thoughts: I think this is pretty solid and a great way to surprise people who think Islay whisky has to be peated. It’s just a little light and I wish there was more complexity on the finish. I think it faces some stiff competition at the $60 price point, but if the tariffs ever get lifted, it would be far more apt to stay on my bar.