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Focus On: Bunnahabhain

Discover the joy of unpeated, sherry-cask Islay whisky this Christmas

The most northerly and arguably the most remote distillery on Islay, follow a snaking road for three miles and, after tracking across moorland and cutting down cliffs, you’ll reach Bunnahabhain Distillery. It’s a journey that’s well worth it. Visitors to the Islay producer don’t just drink in the breathtaking views across the Sound of Jura to the mountains beyond — they’re poised to discover a single malt maker steeped in tradition, yet underpinned by a very modern dedication to sustainability.

Bunnahabhain’s spectacular waterfront location, with its new Biomass Energy Centre sitting on the hillside behind the distillery buildings.

Committed to creating a fruity, unpeated whisky with big flavours enhanced by sherry cask maturation, master distiller Brendan McCarron, master blender Julieann Fernandez and the Bunnahabhain team nurture the distillery’s spirit from grain to glass. Custodians of a whisky known as a special favourite of whisky makers and connoisseurs alike, the team’s commitment to excellence is matched by a razor-sharp focus on consistency. The result is a spectacular range of single malt Scotch whiskies primed for festive sipping and gift-giving.

Bunnahabhain master blender Julieann Fernandez

Take Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old, for example. First blended and released over 40 years ago, it’s a classic expression that’s stood the test of time. Bottled at 46.3% ABV, non-chill filtered for rich, bold depth of flavour and a creamy mouthfeel, and with only its natural, cask-derived colour, Bunnahabhain’s bold, unpeated distillery character is paired with a high proportion of sherry casks to create a luxurious dram bursting with dried fruits and opulent nuttiness. It’s a treat when sipped neat or enjoyed in a cocktail, such as an Old Fashioned.

Inside the traditional dunnage warehousing at Bunnahabhain

Discover more about this remarkable distillery, the people who make it and Bunnahabhain’s flagship dram by clicking the link below, or purchase a bottle for yourself here.

The Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old

Tasting Notes by Christopher Coates,
Whisky Magazine Editor-at-Large

Bunnahabhain
12 Years Old
Distell International
ABV: 46.3%
Style: Single malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Price per 70cl bottle: £40
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Good retailers and at Bunnahabhain.com

Nose: Poached pears, baked green apples and rich heather honey. Juicy raisins and sultanas with prunes in syrup and liquorice. Dark chocolate with candied ginger, cinnamon stick, grated nutmeg and aromatic cedar wood. Zesty orange and lemon peels, with sticky toffee, too.

Palate: Mouthcoating and full-bodied, with more baked pear and apple notes, with a dusting of muscovado sugar. Sweet vanilla and chewy caramels are balanced by distinctive citrus, especially Jaffa orange, and fat Medjool dates stuffed with almond butter.

Finish: Milk chocolate and almond play out with toffee and orchard fruits for a long finish.

Comments: Big flavours will keep whisky lovers coming back for more.

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