The latest batch of Bunnahabhain’s cask strength release. Bottled at a whopping 60.1% abv, much higher than last year’s 56%, this malt is a more intense spin on the classic 12-year-old single malt from the well loved Islay distillery. This 2023 edition is small batch distilled, and delivers a fruitier profile with notes of stone fruits and figs at the forefront, and a less spicy finish with sweet notes of fresh vanilla pods.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose: Floral and nutty with notes of marzipan, hazelnut, almond cream and morello cherries.
Palate: Roasted nuts and spice lead the way with cinnamon and cloves fading to reveal soft notes of butterscotch, toffee, sultanas and a gentle hint of coffee.
Finish: Lingering notes of cloves, hazelnut and cocoa.
Bunnahabhain is one of the nine active whisky distilleries currently on Islay (though this number is sure to change before too long). Based on the island’s northeast coast, Bunnahabhain is a large and imposing distillery which was built during the Victorian era (1881) by William Robertson. Bunnahabhain’s spirit, whilst historically peated, has moved further and further away from this. Today, roughly only 20-25% of the spirit produced at the distillery is heavily peated (set to be reduced again). Low fill levels and massive amounts of copper contact create a light, malleable spirit which has historically been prized by blenders. It is only recently that the true worth of Bunnahabhain as a single malt is being seen, often when matured in sherry casks, which provide a sweet richness and a spicy ginger note to the spirit.