Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is the expression that began the Bunnahabhain core range, an Islay single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 46.3% ABV, non-chill filtered and at natural colour.
Bunnahabhain sits on the remote northeast coast of Islay, on the shores of the Sound of Islay, and draws its water by pipeline from a source that bypasses the island's deep peat bogs. Unlike most Islay malts, it is made from barley only lightly peated, and the 12 Year is matured for at least twelve years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
It offers an alluring balance of sweet fruit, nuts, vanilla and a delicate coastal influence: sherry, nuts and sea breeze with toffee and dried fruit on the nose, creamy malt and rich sherry sweetness with roasted nuts and subtle brine on the palate, and a long, warming finish.
Islay's gentle, unpeated classic, it makes a fine gift.
Enjoy it neat or with a few drops of water.
Scotch whisky must be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks, and any age statement on the label refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle.
Islay, off Scotland's west coast, is best known for heavily peated whiskies, which makes Bunnahabhain's gentler, nutty and fruity style a distinctive exception on the island.
Non-chill filtered whisky keeps the natural oils and fatty acids that chill filtration removes, giving a fuller texture and richer flavour; it may turn slightly hazy when very cold.
Sherry casks add dried fruit and nut notes, while ex-bourbon casks bring vanilla and honey, and together they give the 12 Year its balance.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Sherry, nuts, sea breeze and toffee.
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Palate: Creamy malt, sherry sweetness, nuts and brine.
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Finish: Long and warming.
Specifications
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Producer: Bunnahabhain Distillery
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Style: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, unpeated style
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Age: 12 years
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Proof / ABV: 92.6 proof (46.3% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks
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Region: Islay, Scotland
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat or with a little water. It pairs with smoked salmon, walnuts or aged cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it peated?
Only very lightly; Bunnahabhain is Islay's gentle, largely unpeated malt.
What casks are used?
Ex-bourbon and ex-sherry.
Is it chill filtered?
No. Non-chill filtered and natural colour.
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