Bunnahabhain Fèis Ìle is one of two 2022 Fèis Ìle special releases, which made their way to Australia. This release was matured for over two decades in Bunnahabhain’s coastal Islay warehouses before being finished for several years in Calvados casks. Bottled at 49.7% abv.
Fèis Ìle is an annual whisky festival which takes place on Islay and serves as a pilgrimage for whisky lovers the world over. It is a rare opportunity to enjoy a taste of the festivities without having to make the trip to Islay.
30mL Sample Bottle
Official Tasting Notes:
Nose: Barley sugar, pear drops, toffee apples. Followed by a burst of dates and a floral top note like conifer trees.
Palate: Sweet and fruity, lots of green apple and pear candies. Some signature cereal, oily notes of Bunnahabhain and more toffee mixed with dried fruits.
Finish: Spicy powerful then floral on the palate.
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. 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.