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.