Bunnahabhain 12 yo Pride of Islay

 

 

 

46,1°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

Madeira Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

At 12 years old, Bunnahabhain’s whisky is already showing maturity, you can trust them on that. This particular expression has even been matured for over five years in Madeira wine barriques. In fact, you need to limit the finishing time with these naturally sweet wines, as it could ruin the whisky if left for too long. I suppose the initial maturation took place in Bourbon casks, but I’ve had no indication about that. Nor are there any details on the number of bottles produced. The Thompson brothers prefer to keep this one a mystery. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very waxy, fruity and almost syrupy nose, cherry jam, orange marmalade, a generous hint of citrus and cinnamon, dried apricots, gingerbread with angelica. Lovely minerality in the background, iodine and a pinch of salt. On the palate, mandarin, honey and buttered toast, apple crumble with crushed hazelnuts, leather and lovely spices, cloves, saffron and curry. Sandalwood. A very long finish, blond tobacco, walnut oil, dried bananas, beach pebbles, chocolate and coffee.

 

In Short, 

I was worried that the Madeira inlfuence might be too overpowering, but I was wrong, it’s perfectly balanced. The coastal character of the distillate still comes through, and the fruit isn’t too sweet. This makes for another thoroughly enjoyable bottling at a bargain price. Well done, Thompson brothers, but how on earth do you do it?

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Jesse Will - Spirals

Bunnahabhain 2004 Old Islay 21 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

1st Fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Butts, 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

So, this is the third release in the ‘Island Hopping Series’, and it was launched last March. It is a 21-year-old Bunnahabhain, and, naturally, it has been matured in sherry casks. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, it cannot be described as a Single Cask, as the initial maturation took place in several sherry butts. However, several websites do present it as such, as the second maturation took place in a single Sherry Hogshead, and it is stated that this lasted several years. But it seems more logical to me to follow the Scotch Whisky Association’s guidance. 296 bottles are available for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A typical sherry from Bunnahabhain, lovely velvety balance, juicy red fruits, varnished wood, pastry cream. Thick bark rubbed with Muscat grapes, blueberry tart, citrus pulp. Chocolate, shea butter, Vanilla in its pod, caffè latte. On the palate, it leans more towards white and even exotic fruits, Comice pears, a drop of papaya juice, Golden Delicious apples, elegant oak, fairly light but noticeable spices. Clove and nutmeg. The finish is not overly violent, but very long, caramel-filled pralines, green tea, subtle hints of charcoal, black earth and fresh blackberries. Peach stones, notes of tinder, and a very slight bitterness.

 

In Short, 

To be perfectly honest, I have to say I’m a bit disappointed. A friend had told me it was exceptional, and certainly it’s very good, very representative of the distillery and has a lovely balance. However, it isn’t all that expressive and holds few surprises. Decadent Drinks has a huge reputation, and you always expect something outstanding from them, as that’s often the case. But not always, as we can see here. It’s still a lovely bottle of Bunnahabhain, very old-school and appealing, fans of this style might well overlook the high price to treat themselves to one. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                               Estela Alexandre Orquestra - Memòria

Bunnahabhain 12 yo Cask Strength 2025 Edition

 

 

 

56,4°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

1st Fill and Refill Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

This is the fourth edition of the 12 Year Old Cask Strength, a series that was launched in 2021. If the numbers don't add up, it's because there was none in 2024, for reasons that no one has explained. Either they ran out of stock, or the 2023 edition took a long time to sell, and they didn't want the new edition to come out before the previous ones were at least close to being sold out. In any case, I hope this collection will continue, I tasted the 2022 edition, which I talked about here, and I really liked it. I have the entire collection in my cupboard, waiting for the right occasion to open them.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A cascade of fruit, ripe plums, damsons and mirabelle plums, slightly fermented cherries, blueberries. Melting caramel and dates, dried figs, noble wood, crushed hazelnuts, Muscat grapes. A slight hint of iodine. Very smooth on the palate, chestnut cream, caramel, dried bananas, green apples, then strong spices, pepper, cloves, nutmeg. Fairly long finish, but not really explosive, mellow wood, warm chestnuts, cooked oranges, rich herbs, subtle touch of bitterness.

 

In Short, 

The 2022 edition is better, in my opinion. With this one, the nose is superb, but it's less successful afterwards, and the finish falls apart a little. But anyway, it's far from bad, it's still a very fine whisky, reserved for sherry lovers of course, but I find it better balanced and with more character than the A'bunadh or other 105s. What's more, the price is very reasonable, which is why I never fail to buy one. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tinsley Ellis - In From the Cold

Bunnahabhain 2018 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 6 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Heavily Peated 

 

 

 

This heavily peated Bunnahabhain is a welcome addition to the new Small Batch collection launched last year by Elixir Distillers. Matured in five refill hogsheads, it has the vigour and spirit of youth, but at the same time is not overly powerful as the alcohol content remains relatively low. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The nose seems perfect to me, lace-like limestone and freshly refined Guérande salt, sea breeze, seaweed, kelp, shellfish, all with a beautifully measured peatiness. Oysters and sweet white wine, yellow plums, lime, crystallised vanilla, a slight medicinal touch, ether. On the palate, it is somewhat oily, lemon, sea salt and ash, some spices, cloves and black pepper. Liquid honey. The finish is quite long, pleasant, mineral, salty, medicinal, chalky, nougat, coffee, light wood, wood-fired chestnuts.  

 

In Short, 

Considering its young age, this is a very pleasant surprise. The nose is particularly well crafted, with coastal and medicinal notes, very present peat that is not too strong, and well-balanced mineral notes. On the palate, however, it is less interesting, but still good. The finish is long and powerful just as it should be. My only regret is that with a few more years and cask strength, it would have made an excellent whisky, undoubtedly one of the best peated Bunnahabhains. That said, the profile is unique, with very intense peat and coastal notes, but not too high an alcohol content. The price is really very low, so it's hard to resist buying it. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Endive - 10,000 Dead Roses

Bunnahabhain 2013 Decadent Drams Itinéraires Collection 11 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Refill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Slightly Peated

Decadent Drams is the new range launched by Decadent Drinks just over a year ago. It brings together mostly single cask and cask strength bottlings, but relatively young ones. Here we have an 11-year-old Bunnahabhain, unpeated, but aged in casks that previously contained peated whisky. Maturation took place in two stages, first in a Refill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead that previously contained Bunnahabhain Staoisha, then in a Refill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead that previously contained Ardnahoe. The transfer from one cask to another necessarily took place in 2020 at the earliest, as Ardnahoe became operational in 2017, and the liquid must remain in a cask for at least three years before it can be called whisky. 309 bottles were produced, which were reserved in priority for the French market, as was selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Collection Itinéraires. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is very light, it's quite sweet, sherry with hazelnuts and pan-fried mushrooms, wild strawberries and forest fragrances, dark tobacco, hot chestnuts. A few mineral touches, slate, chalk, damp earth, wet leather. Copper notes. On the palate, it is well-made, balanced, citrus and molasses, roasted pineapple, grapefruit coulis, barley sugar, fermented fruit. Very measured spices, a pinch of sea salt. Fairly long finish with shortbread biscuits, fruit paste, crushed banana, liquorice, apple and cinnamon tart. Cashew nuts. 

 

In Short, 

It's very well made, but this light peatiness is a little unsettling. With Bunnahabhain, it's usually either very peaty or not peaty at all. It's good, but there are no particular qualities, it's just very balanced and subtle. And at the price it's selling for, it's really too expensive. No wonder there's still some left. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Xiu Xiu - Sad Mezcalita

Bunnahabhain 2011 Artist #15 Someting in the Water Over 10 yo

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

Selected from among the gems stored in the warehouses of Elixir Distillers, this peated Bunnhabhain was aged for 10 years in refill bourbon barrels before being bottled in 272 bottles. It is at least 13 years old, although the label only specifies ‘Over 10 Years’. The artwork chosen to decorate it is Meandering Through Relationships II, by Radhika Surana.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Airy nose, delicate coastal notes, iodine, limestone, sea breeze, sea spray, a hint of fish. Citrus and mirabelle plums to complement this, sliced lemon, juicy pears, and finally the peat rises, full of coal and fuel oil, cold ashes, slightly herbaceous. On the palate, it is greasier, even oily, with crème fraîche and candied fruit coated in smoke, dried herbs, salicornia, earthy notes, lively spices, cumin and cloves. The finish is fairly long, not quite explosive, cooked mushrooms, dark chocolate, milky vanilla, wet rock, a pinch of salt and wisps of smoke.

 

In Short, 

A very good peaty Bunnahabhain, but I didn't find it particularly original. I think Bunnahabhain lags a little behind the other Islay distilleries when it comes to peat. They don't manage to add that touch of genius found elsewhere, and it's clear here. That said, it's a very pleasant whisky for fans of this profile, although too expensive in my opinion.

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                           Cold Union - Drown Me

Bunnahabhain 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 14 yo c. 358

 

 

 

57,6°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

There are some bottles that you just go for without thinking, these are equations that can only lead to quality. When you read Bunnahabhain, Gordon & MacPhail, Sherry, you know it can only be good. And if, in addition, the age is honourable and the cask is first-fill, our first impression can only be confirmed. 361 bottles were delivered to the public. Not to be confused with another Bunnahabhain of the same age and vintage, produced by the same bottler, but for the benefit of The Whisky Explorer Society, which is why I've included the cask number. 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Soft toffee, marzipan biscuit sprinkled with cinnamon, nougatine, genoise, brioche, it's a little summit of indulgence, mellow and sweet. Palets bretons, filled with semi-salted butter, white and red grape clafoutis, whipped cream, the whole enhanced by a very slight coastal character, sea spray, iodine freshness. Well-balanced on the palate, speculoos and delicate woodiness, apple cannelés, a variety of spices, even exotic ones, curry. The finish is long and languorous, brown sugar melting in a caramel sauce, grilled bacon, crushed hazelnuts. 

 

In Short, 

It's really what you'd expect, cakey and delicious, with a slight saline character. It's good, but it would have been even better with a few more years. Personally, I would have let this barrel work a little longer. The fact remains that you have a superb time, and the price is not at all excessive, so it's worth buying this little gem, which I got on a very attractive special offer.

Score : 89  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           anaiis - In The Dark

Bunnahabhain 1977 Artist #12 Over 40 yo

 

 

 

47,2°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

Refill Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This one was released in 2022, with the 12th Batch of Artist, the range relaunched every year by La Maison du Whisky for the Whisky Live Paris. It is claimed to be over 40 years old, but in fact its exact age is 44, which is getting on in years. It has spent all this time in a Refill Sherry Butt, resulting in 546 bottles. The label features a painting by Gesine Arp entitled Volo Sul Sup.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Creamy nose typical of the distillery, with a pinch of salt, but fruit as far as the eye can see, vanilla, pear, peach, pineapple, papaya, redcurrants, blueberries, honey galore, woody fragrances, mint and bay leaves. On the palate, woody and marine fullness, a shadow of peat, fruit pulp mixed with wood wax, very light spices, nutmeg. Very long, full and explosive finish, some exotic fruits, chamomile, shortbread biscuits. Herbaceous notes, dark chocolate, coffee, dried figs.

 

In Short, 

To confess, I was a little disappointed by the palate, which seemed clear to me, but the rest is excellent, very impressive. The nose is captivating with its variety of pulpy fruits, and the finish wins you over with its exceptional length and vigour despite the fairly low alcohol content. Quite marvellous stuff on the whole, but the price cuts short any spell, it's out of reach for 95% of the population.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Etta James - Cry Like a Rainy Day

Bunnahabhain 2004 Cask Strength Collection Collection Foundations 20 yo

 

 

 

61°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

The Foundations collection offers us a few gems, such as this Bunnahabhain, which spent 20 years and two months in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt. 491 bottles were released, sold in principle only on the French market.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is full of very intense Sherry, cherry pie, blueberries and redcurrants, soaked leather, dried fruits, dates, apricots, figs, brown tobacco, applesauce, patchouli, turmeric, potimarron, pomegranate, large slices of watermelon, wood varnish. On the palate, it's more nuanced, more cereal-like, nuts, pipe tobacco, prunes, baked apples, and of course red fruits galore, cinnamon, caramel, nutmeg, perhaps a touch of salt. The finish is devastating, extremely long, filled with leather and beeswax, mountain honey, blackberry and raspberry, with pine resin, quince jam, traces of encaustic.

 

In Short, 

It's true that we lose a little of the distillery's costal character, but the Sherry is so well brought out, deep, complex and nuanced. It's fabulous, delicious and intense. The price is high, of course, but commensurate with the quality produced.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Big Daddy Wilson - Walk a Mile in my Shoes

Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2013 100 Proof Edition #7 10 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

The seventh bottling in the 100 Proof range launched in early 2024 is a 10-year-old peated Bunnahabhain. Peated Bunnahabhains of this age are quite rare, and that's what interested me. What's more, the Sherry influence should give it a certain roundness. I don't know how many bottles were produced, but there were several thousand. 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite strong peat, both mineral and buttery, enticing smoke and quartz, slate, iron filings, cooked rice. A few notes of coal and earth. Strong iodine, foam, kelp, fish. A pinch of salt. Waves whip the face. Limestone stalactites, gypsum, clay. On the palate, seawater, oysters, pepper, coal and soot, lively spices. Shadow of white fruit. Citrus zest. Long, devastating finish, chalky, cola, a drop of caramel. Stretto coffee, hints of dark chocolate. Cold meat.

 

In Short, 

A bottling that will appeal only to fans of peat, as it lacks a little complexity. The Sherry has not particularly marked the distillate. This is interesting, as the distillery's maritime and mineral character is quite intense. However, the peaty Bunnahabhain reaches here its limits, with metallic notes and too much simplicity. Having said that, the price is rather advantageous, so there's nothing to lose by making a purchase if you're a fan of the profile.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           White Tygër - Midnight Lovers

Bunnahabhain 1991 S Spirits Shop' Selection 31 yo c. 5385

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Spirits Shop' Selection

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This Bunnahabhain is at least 31 years old and has spent all this time in a simple Hogshead, allowing the distillate to find its full expression. 169 bottles were made, much to our delight. Spirits Shop' Selection is a Taiwanese company founded in 2014 by Dong Fang Ming, and until recently they were distributed in Europe by Sansibar.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A fresh and salty breeze, a few notes of iodine, and the fruits are behind, vanilla, mirabelle, banana, white plum, lychee, brioche bread, speculoos, buttered toast, with semi-salted butter of course. Crushed walnuts, shortbread biscuits, sultanas and figs. It's well-crafted on the palate, where fruit has pride of place, apricot purée, dates, quinces, medlars, noble old wood with a fine layer of varnish, touches of pastry, vergeoise, fresh cream, nougatine. The spices are rather discreet, but rise slowly. The finish is long and violent, ginger, cardamom, before plunging into earth with an ounce of chocolate and caramel, black tea, charcoal.

 

In Short, 

An excellent Bunnahabhain dominated by Bourbon doesn't come along very often, and you should make the most of it when you find one. Bunnahabhain is more often in Sherry casks, so here, as well as originality, we have the real character of the distillery, which is mostly altered by Sherry. And it's magnificent in my opinion, very fruity with a maritime touch, but also earthy, pastry and chocolate hints. Unfortunately, there's no indication of how to find this bottle, or what price to pay.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Black Heart Procession - A Cry for Love

Bunnahabhain 1975 The Single Malts of Scotland Director's Special 44 yo

 

 

 

42,4°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Still within this range Director's Special, which represents the top of what Elixir Distillers has to offer, this 44 year old from Bunnahabhain triggers the wildest dreams. 492 bottles were offered for sale. I managed to find the distillation date, but it was impossible know what type of cask was used. It's odd for a bottling at this price.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's creamy and velvety, with vanilla cream, egg custard, plump yellow plums and exotic fruits, mango, pineapple, papaya, with candied lemon and orange marmalade. Slight floral touches and a discreet hint of salt in the background. On the palate, the fruit combines with a noble woodiness, old library, parchment, rhubarb, grapefruit zest, pastry cream, sweet spices, nutmeg and ginger. The finish is soft, with a whiff of smoke, candied dates, figs and loukoums, nougatine, precious woods.

 

In Short, 

In my opinion, this is a Bourbon Barrel, possibly Refill. I didn't find any Sherry in it. In general, Bunnahabhain in Bourbon casks performs less well, which is probably why the nature of the cask was not disclosed. However, this is sublime, with notes of exotic fruit and candied fruit, it's truly exceptional. That said, I found the finish a little lacking in explosiveness. The price is totally frightening, but that's the law of the market.

Score : 90 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Dionne Warwick - I Say a Little Prayer

Port Askaig 2004 Bourbon Cask 14 yo

 

 

 

45,8°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay 

1st Fill Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

This is one of the many limited editions launched by Port Askaig over the years. According to highly informed people, it's not Caol Ila this time, but Bunnahabhain. This is the fruit of 11 first-fill Bourbon casks, the contents of which were distilled in 2004. If it is indeed Bunnahabhain, it is very rare to have peated liquid of this age from this distillery.

Let's Taste It : 

Smooth on the nose, with a more discreet peatiness. Slight maritime touch, but mostly white fruits and almonds. Waxy smoke, pastry cream and maple syrup. Vanilla and marshmallow. Behind, ocean air, sea breeze, iodine. Fig and chocolate. Light on the palate, but full of spices, orchard fruits, goat's milk, but also thick peat. Lychees, oysters. Long but not very explosive finish, liquid honey, hazelnuts, pine cones. Sand from the beach. A grain of salt. Churned butter.

 

In Short, 

The nose is very pleasant, with a pinch of iodine, but too little to make me think that this is Caol Ila. On the palate, however, it's not very expressive and I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed. The finish is nice but not great either. Overall, I don't find this expression up to the standard of the brand's others. As far as the peatiness is concerned, Caol Ila is something else than Bunnahabhain. And I think I now know why Bunnahabhain only sells young peated whiskies. After a certain age, the distillate loses its character.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Rival Sons - Soul

Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2014 Artist Collective N°7.5 9 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Dechar/Rechar Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

5th bottling in the new Artist Collective series, which has just been released, this Bunnahabhain is fairly classic. Still relatively old for a Staoisha, it has undergone classic ageing in a Dechar/Rechar Hogshead, which means the cask was scrapped off and then recharred. 4 casks were used for this, making a total of 1687 bottles. Signatory Vintage is now the official bottler for the range, having previously only supplied the casks, but the bottles are still distributed by La Maison du Whisky in France. The peat content varies with the Staoisha, that's why I don't specify it.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very fine nose of toffee, crème brûlée, buttered bread and generous white fruits. Behind it, of course, there's a lovely mineral peat, full of tar and rubber, which is a good thing. It's salty, full of limestone and sea breeze, but it's very measured and controlled. The palate is friendly, with light vanilla sprinkled with lemon, somewhat marshy and oily, and spices that are not so outrageous. The finish is long enough, charcoal, liquorice, dark chocolate, earthy notes, walnut shells.

 

In Short, 

I found the nose to be very successful for a Staoisha, with a perfect combination of minerality, butter and fruit. On the palate, on the other hand, it's less remarkable, but the finish is well crafted. It still lacks a bit of power, but I was told that it's the relatively low alcohol content that gives it this elegance. If you say so. Anyway, the price lacks elegance, just my humble opinion.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Liliumdust - Inner Child

Bunnahabhain 2009 Fèis Ile 2024 14 yo

 

 

 

58,7°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Bourbon Casks and Ruby Port Hogsheads Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

On the occasion of Fèis Ile 2024, the music and whisky festival held every year on Islay, the distillery has released no fewer than 4 limited editions. This one is the youngest, ‘only’ 14 years old. Distilled on 26 May 2009, the juice then lived in Bourbon casks until 17 November 2020, before venturing into Ruby Port Hogsheads, the sweetest. It is not stated how many bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very velvety nose, prunes, figs, dark chocolate mousse. Fudge and treacle, varnished old wood. Red fruit salad in the background, a few citrus fruits, lime, orange marmalade. A hint of blackcurrant, honey and floral touches, melting liquorice. Chocolate and malt come together on the palate, with woody blueberries, overripe muscat grapes, a bit old, tomato and lingonberry soup, followed by a trail of salt and pepper, cumin, nutmeg, barbecue sauce. Very long, explosive finish, black pepper and cloves, fir needles, traces of eucalyptus, charcoal, caramel and liquorice, slight woody bitterness, heather, bark, dried raisins and apricots. Speculoos biscuit crumbs.

 

In Short, 

It's magnificent. Your mouth is full of blueberry tart. I shouldn't say so, but this is a real treat at a modest price. I'd like to thank my readers in advance for letting me buy the bottle before the last one is snapped up. Having said that, it's a very special profile actually, you have to love blueberries.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listening While Sipping :

 

                                           Christopher James - Half Past Midnight

Bunnahabhain 2012 Small Batch #7 11 yo

 

 

 

48,2°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Undhillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated 

With the Small Batch range, Signatory Vintage offers relatively young bottlings aged in small Sherry casks. There are two Small Batch series, the first was released between 2018 and 2022, with a total of 12 expressions numbered from 1 to 12; the second was released between 2023 and 2024, again with a total of 12 expressions numbered from 1 to 12, all reduced to 48.2°. This Bunnahabhain is number 7 in the second series. It is a special bottling for the German distributor Kirsch Whisky Serviice Gmbh, but can apparently be found throughout Western Europe. No details are available on the number of bottles produced or the number of casks used.  

Let's Taste It : 

First of all, quite pronounced maritime fragrances of iodine, sea spray, seaweed and kelp. Then there's the typical smoothness of Oloroso, with red fruit coulis, soft caramel, dark chocolate, tobacco and spices. It's well done, but lacks a little complexity. On the palate, it's unctuous, fondant with caramel, liquid honey, a hint of vanilla, some blackberries and gooseberries, light spices. The finish is fairly long but not very explosive, with light tobacco, coffee and dark chocolate pralines, truffles and cloves.

 

In Short, 

The Sherry is very present, but does not hide the identity of the distillery. So it's a success, it's just a shame it's reduced. The price is right if you go to the right shops, a purchase would be wise for enthusiasts.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Luther 'Badman' Keith - Cream in your Coffee

Bunnahabhain 2001 Cask Strength Collection Symington's Choice 22 yo

 

 

 

56,5°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limired Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This one is a brand new addition to the recent Symington's Choice range, which brings together the finest productions of Signatory Vintage, Single Casks at least 21 years old. We're still in the Cask Strength Collection series, but this is the next level. 427 bottles have been released for sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very delicate nose, yellow plum pulp coated in chocolate, candied fruits, muscat grapes, a touch of gooseberry. Salted butter caramel, melted butter with a drop of sweet white wine, toasted almonds. It's deep and racy, brown tobacco, thick acacia honey, all in fine balance. Banana and mother-of-pearl. On the palate, it's lighter, simpler, but very smooth, white chocolate mousse, vanilla éclair, then fairly powerful spices lead to a long, explosive finish, where the tobacco and dark chocolate stand out, clove, it's almost smoky, but more on the stuffed fig in fact. Braised mushrooms with cream, cachou. 

 

In Short, 

This is an excellent Bunnahabhain, very well married to the Sherry, as is often the case. However, the palate is just a little below the finish and the nose, which are frankly perfect, complex and bewitching. On the other hand, the distillery's costal profile is not present. The price isn't that high, and to be honest, the idea of buying it has crossed my mind, it wouldn't be a waste in any case.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Dede Priest - What it is ain't what it ain't

Bunnahabhain 1991 Untold Riches 28 yo

 

 

 

49,1°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

28 Bourbon Hogsheads and 3 Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Wemyss Vintage Malts Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

At Wemyss Malts, they love bottling Bunnahabhain, which is undoubtedly the distillery they use the most, along with Bowmore. Here, they offer a very special product, a blend of 31 casks distilled between 1987 and 1991, 28 of which are Bourbon Hogsheads and the last three are Sherry Butts. A total of 6,500 bottles were produced and released in February 2021. The entire stock was quickly sold out. An amusing and often mocked detail: there's a spelling mistake on the label, the name of the distillery is missing an ‘h’ - they've written it Bunnahabain! The importance of choosing the right sub-contractors.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose opens with a delicate iodine, a whiff of sea breeze, and very quickly, buttery vanilla, ripe white fruits, brown sugar, unctuous caramel, blood orange, hints of charcoal and a shadow of smoke. On the palate, it's soft and sweet, cat's tongue biscuits, a knob of butter with caramel and vergeoise, crunchy nougatine, marzipan, and in the background some fairly robust spices, cloves and cumin, which open onto a lovely, long finish, salted butter caramel, peppery chocolate, light touches of liquorice, to land on a beach of fine sand, iodine and limestone lace, a grain of salt.

 

In Short, 

You have to give a medal to the Master Blender who conceived this little thing, because it really is a little masterpiece. At once costal, gourmand, highly complex, expressive and fine, it's one of the best Bunna I've tasted so far. And yet it's reduced. Unfortunately, because it's sold out, the price of the few bottles you can find on the secondary market has rocketed. A purchase of this little marvel is therefore no longer an option.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :                                           

 

                                           CocoRosie - Fairly Paradise

Bunnahabhain 1994 Cadenhead's Authentic Collection Cask Strength 22 yo

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

We delve into the recesses of Cadenhead's warehouses to find this little forgotten item, a Hogshead Bourbon cask déclined in only 114 bottles, brought out at a time when whisky was not yet unaffordable. This bottling was released to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Cadenhead, Scotland's oldest trading company, now owned by the Mitchell family, who are also the proud proprietors of the Springbank and Glengyle distilleries.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The distillery is clearly recognisable. Costal, delicately iodised, foamy and sea-breezy, full-bodied. Woody vanilla, almonds, honey and gingerbread. Salty, semi-salted butter, sprinkled with cinnamon, baked apples and quince jelly. Nougat. A zest of lemon. In the mouth, bread dough, vanilla pastry cream, filled biscuits, expressive spices, cloves and cumin, and here again a pinch of salt. Brioche, a cloud of milk, then a beautiful finish, on the verge of explosion, very long, just the right amount of fat, sparkling, lemonade and cola, a hint of bitterness, cardamom and bay leaf. A square of brown sugar soaked in tea.

 

In Short, 

It's extremely well done, briochey, with nougat, candied vanilla and a hint of iodine in the background, but it's very discreet. For me, this is the pinnacle of what Bunnahabhain can do without the Sherry, although a touch more iodine would have been welcome to add a little fullness. It remains an excellent product, sold out a long time ago, which with a bit of luck can be found for a very interesting price at auction.

Score : 90 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street

Bunnahabhain 2004 Old Particular The Midnight Series 18 yo

 

 

 

48,4°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

Refill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Douglas Laing & Co. 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm

Within Old Particular, The Midnight Series sub-range brings together whiskies aged in a Sherry Single Cask. I've heard it's a tribute to the darkest hour of the night, we've seen worse ideas for launching a collection. Be that as it may, this is a peated Bunnahabhain, which is not specified on the label, aged in a Sherry Butt single cask for 18 years and 4 months, and released in an edition of 588 bottles. It's a single cask, but a reduced one.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :

Original nose, with dates, dried apricots, liquorice stick and a enticiing smoke. Leather, red fruit jelly in the background. Already some spices, nutmeg and cloves, melting caramel. The palate is pleasant without being exceptional, full of chocolate and American tobacco, some nice spices that aren't too strong, cinnamon, white pepper. More quinces and apricots, I didn't taste any red fruit. Nice balance at the end. Long, syrupy finish, the red fruits return, toasted raspberries, meat juice, hot chestnuts. Some woody hints.

 

In Short, 

The peat is not very strong, which is to be expected after 18 years, and the sensation is one of a very well-balanced and pleasant whisky that is not too aggressive. It's very well made, but lacks a bit of quality to be sold at this price, in my humble opinion.

Score : 88

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Coma - Ride