Bunnahabhain 12 Years
Matured 75% in bourbon barrels and 25% in sherry casks, the Bunnahabhain 12 Years is bottled at a decent 46.3% ABV. Nice for a standard, by the way: no colouring or chill-filtering was used.
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Buy on AmazonTasting Notes
Nose
The single malt has very pleasant flavours. We smell a varied palette of fruits, such as Nashi pears and apricots, nectarines, quinces and mirabelle plums. This is followed by sweet brown sugar with a fine sherry fruit note. We think of plums and dates. The nose is rounded off with some oak and a hint of liquorice.
Palate
In the tasting, the somewhat more bitter flavours come to the fore. Baking cocoa, oat flakes and a good portion of oak open up. Vanilla, black tea, pear and something pleasantly sour - perhaps green apple - are found in the middle section. Later, the malt opens up further and brings orange peel and some cinnamon. Round, creamy and soft.
Finish
Pleasant and maritime, the whisky from the island of Islay remains long-lasting, warming and slightly peppery.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100 - (Excellent)
A true delight for anyone who enjoys a fruity-spicy profile that's also well-rounded. The Bunnahabhain 12 delivers plenty of drinking pleasure without any pretension – perfect for relaxed evenings. Highly recommended, especially when you catch it on sale!
Sascha 81/100 - (Excellent)
Well-balanced and structured, this Islay malt reveals a harmonious blend of fruit, oak, and a subtle maritime note. At 46.3% ABV and non-chill filtered, the Bunnahabhain 12 offers solid value for money, even if its complexity might feel a bit restrained to some.
Value for Money: 4/5 (Good)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bunnahabhain 12 Year omit chill filtration and coloring?
The Bunnahabhain 12 Year is bottled without chill filtration and without added coloring to preserve the whisky’s natural character and aromas as authentically as possible. This results in a fuller mouthfeel and a genuine color.
How does maturation in bourbon and sherry casks influence the flavor of the Bunnahabhain 12 Year?
With 75% maturation in bourbon casks, the whisky gains notes of vanilla and caramel along with a creamy texture. The 25% sherry cask maturation adds fruity and spicy nuances like plums, dates, and a delicate sherry sweetness, making the flavor complex and well-balanced.
What distinguishes the Bunnahabhain 12 Year from other Islay whiskies?
Unlike many Islay whiskies, the Bunnahabhain 12 Year is less smoky and peaty, instead showcasing fruity and maritime notes. The combination of fruity aromas, oak, and a light pepperiness makes it especially approachable and versatile.