Scotch

Whisky Review: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

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Whisky Review: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

Name: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Whisky Review: Tasting Notes & Rating
Item: Whisky Review: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Rating: 8
Author: Davis Gonnella

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is a unique single malt that stands out in the Islay whisky landscape. A wonderful bottle of whisky to add to your cabinet.

by Davis Gonnella
November 1, 2024

Davis Gonnella is a whisky advocate and father of five.

Tasting Notes:

About:

This is the Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, a core range expression from Bunnahabhain Distillery. The producer is known for producing unpeated, sherried expressions in a region that is otherwise known for its powerful, smoky whiskies.

Appearance:

Gold. Pure gold. The bottle is smoked black, do not be fooled.

Nose:

Strong sherry notes along with sweet oak spice are delivered here with whisps of smoke.

Palate:

A powerful sherry deliverance paired with raisins and other dried dark fruits.

Finish:

The finish is medium length but strong in flavour. It is warming, pleasant and the sherry flavour lingers for quite some time.

Comments:

I have a strong feeling that Bunnahabhain would work exceptionally well with a game dish in winter. Not to be centered round Christmas dinner, but when it is noticeably cold outside and the real warmth can be found under a blanket on the sofa with a loved one. This one is made for sharing.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

What Makes Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Stand Out?

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is a unique single malt that stands out in the Islay whisky landscape. Known for producing whiskies on an island famed for smoky, peaty expressions, Bunnahabhain takes a different approach with this core release. Although they do make some peat-influenced whiskies under labels like “Moine,” this core expression is unpeated, matured in quality sherry casks, and bottled at 46.3% ABV.

The result is a whisky with layered notes of chocolate, raisins, cherry, vanilla, and a hint of salt, offering a softer, more approachable side of Islay. Bunnahabhain, alongside Bruichladdich, showcases how Islay can produce outstanding unpeated whisky, making it a standout choice for those seeking something different from the island’s usual profile.

Should You Buy It?

Yes! No matter what styles of whisky you’re into, Bunnahabhain is one of those strange grey areas in a Venn diagram of whisky that can appeal to everyone. It’s an Islay whisky with no peat in it, making it appealing to non-peat fans, and peaty whisky fans who want the geography to be the same, with a different flavor.

It can also appeal to bourbon and rye fans because of its higher strength, sweeter approach, gentle spice, and a little bit of salt running through it. This distillery has broad appeal and a strong reputation, making it an ideal gateway into the world of whisky.

Final Thoughts on Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old?

A wonderful bottle of whisky to add to your cabinet. As the review states, this dram can be shared and enjoyed around the Christmas table, or whatever celebratory table you have to adorn with a bottle of booze throughout the year. Mysterious in its history, fully flavored, well priced, higher alcohol level, and the variety of stock available from the distillery really does make Bunnahabhain a standout distillery in the scotch world.

Davis Gonnella

Davis Gonnella, a proud father of five, resides with his partner in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He is passionately dedicated to the world of whisky, with a mission to secure a Designation of Origin Control (DOC) for this beloved spirit. His advocacy also extends to the political realm, where he aims to create a position for a Minister for Whisky Tourism within the Scottish Government. A lifelong ambition of his is to be recognized for his contributions and be made a Keeper of the Quaich.

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