Bunnahabhain 12 Year Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Hailing from the rugged northeastern coast of Islay, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is a bit of a charming outlier and a true classic, first introduced in 1979. The distillery itself dates back to 1881, originally relying on sea trade for supplies until a road was built in 1960. Bunnahabhain, Gaelic for 'mouth of the river', is renowned for its predominantly unpeated Islay single malts, a contrast to many of its Islay neighbors. This particular expression is celebrated for being non-chill filtered and having a natural color, a practice that resonates with whisky aficionados. It's matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, contributing to its characteristic balance of sweet fruit, nuts, vanilla, and a gentle coastal brininess.

Bunnahabhain 12 Year offers a wonderfully unpeated Islay character, bringing nutty, sherried sweetness, some dried fruit, and a distinct coastal salinity to your glass. It’s surprisingly complex, with vanilla and a light, malty quality. This profile makes it a versatile player in spirit-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Rusty Nail, where its nuanced flavors can really shine without being overpowered.

Bunnahabhain 12 Year offers a fresh, fruity, and floral aroma with hints of dried fruit and a touch of sea salt. The palate is light, revealing nutty flavors, vanilla, caramel, and bright coastal notes. It concludes with a long, full-bodied finish, lingering with rich mochaccino, Christmas cake spice, and a balanced salty tang.