Get to know: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
A beautifully balanced Islay single malt whisky from the rugged northern shores of Islay.
Tasting Note
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is an unpeated, sherried style that combines richness, sweetness and a gentle coastal edge. Amber-gold in colour, it opens with aromas of blackcurrant jam, vanilla, cloves and a subtle hint of seaweed. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and silky, with layers of rich sherry, roasted nuts, sweet malt and sultanas. Warm spice melts into velvety caramel, all lifted by a faint maritime breeze. The whisky finishes long and lingering, with waves of sea salt and deeper notes of dried fruit. A superb example of traditional Islay whisky made with finesse and balance.
Top food pairings:
- Smoked almonds or mixed roasted nuts
- Dark chocolate with sea salt
- Hard cheeses such as aged gouda or Comté
Kate Says
"This is the sort of whisky I reach for on a cold evening - warming, rich and packed with character, but still beautifully smooth. A proper fireside dram."
Producer Info
Bunnahabhain Distillery is one of the most historic whisky producers on Islay, established in 1881 on the island’s remote north-eastern coast. Known for crafting some of the region’s only unpeated expressions, they specialise in single malt whiskies that harmonise sweet fruit, gentle spice and a coastal influence. Their dedication to craftsmanship - from long fermentation to traditional maturation in both bourbon and sherry casks - gives their drams a purity and depth that stands apart in the world of Scotch whisky.
How it’s made:
- Varieties: 100% malted barley (single malt whisky)
- Drawn from mineral-rich spring water sourced from the Margadale spring
- Long fermentation and slow distillation in the tallest stills on Islay for delicacy and purity
- Aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks
- Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural colour for full flavour and texture
Good to know:
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Region: Islay, Scotland
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Style: Unpeated single malt whisky
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Closure: Cork
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Vegan: Yes
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ABV: 46.3%
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Vintage: NV (12-year age statement)
Why we love it:
This Islay single malt whisky delivers the perfect mix of sherried richness, sweet fruit and subtle coastal character. It’s generous, complex and endlessly comforting - a dram that appeals to both seasoned whisky fans and newcomers looking for an accessible expression of Islay craftsmanship.