Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair
Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair was created as a tribute to the sea and sailors, because without the sea and without a ship it is almost impossible to get from the island to the mainland. So we expect something very maritime.As the first NAS (No Age Statement) Whisky from Bunnahabhain, the Stiuireadair was chosen as the entry point. Matured in first- and second-fill sherry casks, we would not be surprised if there was a strong resemblance to the Bunnahabhain 12 Years.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Sweet, really sweet, really really sweet. We think of prunes and buttered speculoos. Behind the dried fruit hides an interesting variety of aromas. Once the nose has become accustomed to the dark dried fruit, vanilla and caramel notes resonate and later the salty-maritime character also appears.
Palate
"There greets the sea: as if you gargled a good sip of seawater." Sweet on the lips, salty on the palate we again have dried fruit and strong nutty aromas. Compared to the nose, the ratio is exactly reversed. The salty-maritime clearly predominates and the sherry flavors remain in the background. There is also a hint of nutty chocolate and dried apricot.
Finish
The long finish is very dry. A slight fruitiness remains and is again accompanied by a salty feeling.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
This Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair is a genuine little adventure for the senses – sweet, salty, with a good dose of character that’s a real joy. For anyone looking for a maritime, youthful whisky with a charming sherry note, this is a bullseye at a fair price. A dram that leaves you wanting more and truly captures the soul of the island.
Sascha 80/100
The Stiuireadair impresses with its well-balanced interplay between sweet sherry notes and a clear, salty maritime profile, offering surprisingly good structure for a NAS whisky. The maturation in first- and second-fill sherry casks is evident in its complex aroma, even if it lacks some of the depth found in older vintages. Overall, a technically solid composition with excellent value for money.
Value for Money: Excellent
💸 This whisky offers an outstanding value for money and is our value pick.
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What does NAS mean in Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair and how does it affect the whisky?
NAS stands for 'No Age Statement', meaning the whisky does not specify an age. In the case of Stiuireadair, this allows greater flexibility in cask selection without being tied to a specific age. As a result, the flavor can vary, but it remains characterful and complex thanks to maturation in first- and second-fill sherry casks.
How does the maritime influence manifest in the taste of Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair?
The maritime character is especially noticeable on the palate, where salty notes dominate and evoke seawater. This salty element blends with sweet dried fruits and nutty aromas, clearly underscoring the maritime influence from the Islay region.
What role do the sherry casks play in the maturation of Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair?
Maturation in first- and second-fill sherry casks imparts the whisky with sweet notes of dried fruits like plums, as well as vanilla and caramel aromas. At the same time, the sherry influence remains present in the flavor without overpowering the salty, maritime character.