This is a record of a bottle the site operator bought and tasted personally. Aroma and flavour notes reflect one person's senses and preferences, and the same whisky can taste different depending on the batch, how long the bottle has been open, the glass and the setting. The score is the operator's own on a 100-point scale.
The basics
- Whisky: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength, 2023 Edition (Islay single malt)
- Strength: 60.1% (as stated on the label)
- Taste profile: Sherried · Nutty · Unpeated (as stated on the label)
- Colouring and chill filtration: no added colour, non-chill filtered (as stated on the label)
- Bought: purchased personally
What it is
This is the third release in Bunnahabhain's 12 Year Old Cask Strength series. Unlike the standard Bunnahabhain 12, the 2023 release was matured mainly in sherry casks and is bottled at over 60%. It is a limited edition from Bunnahabhain, the Islay distillery known for unpeated whisky.
Nose
Dried fruit, stone fruit, almond, flowers
Palate
Dried fruit, citrus, stone fruit, dark chocolate, clove
Finish
Nutty hazelnut and fruit, lasting medium to long
Impressions
It has only an entry-level 12 years of age, yet even at over 60% it shows a settled, weighty and well-ordered sherry style. It doesn't deliver the knockout punch of a sherry bomb, but this refined, smooth, silky-textured unpeated Islay Bunnahabhain is a real favourite.
Score
87 / 100