Scotland ~ 46% ~ $125 ~
With a slightly different approach than it’s Islay brethren, Bunnahabhain uses a lot of different finishing casks and eschews much of the peaty beasts the region is known for. With not many expressions available here in BC, we were pleased to find a Bunnahabhain for the 12 Drams. A little more smoky than some of their other whisky, we like this as a potential introduction to Bunnahabhain.
Tasting Notes
Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach harks to the distillery's early days, when the spirit was heavily peated. Aged in ex-bourbon casks for more than 10 years, this is a rich and complex whisky with a maritime character, and will match well with chocolate, smoked fish or red meat.
Nose
Intense and pungent, phenolic, fragrant smoke, light tar, sweet oak, seaweed, creamy and mildly antiseptic.
Palate
Sweet maltiness, then a lovely balance of a tangy smokiness and vanilla notes, mellow and smooth, white pepper, hints of bitter orange, liquorice and sea salt.
Finish
Oatcakes, peppery sweet smoke, then sea salt again, lingering.