Chapter 27
My First Homage to...Bunnahabhain
My journey with Bunnahabhain began long before setting foot on the windswept shores of Islay. It started with a virtual encounter—exploring the magic of Islay from afar, dreaming of its rugged beauty and storied whiskies. That dream became a reality with my first visit to Islay, a place where every moment feels steeped in tradition and connection.
Leo’s interview with David Brodie, the charismatic face of Bunnahabhain, only fueled my passion. Inspired and eager, I “kidnapped” my friend Peppe on a dark January night, and together we drove overnight to Islay, chasing the promise of discovery and great whisky.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. We were welcomed into the heart of Bunnahabhain with another unforgettable tasting session in Warehouse 9, guided by David himself. He didn’t just share stories and expertise but generously sent us away with a few more drams to savor—each one a testament to the distillery’s craft and soul.
This tribute is the result of that unforgettable experience: a celebration of a distillery we hold so dear, a remarkable host, and an incredible spot on the planet. It’s also about seven stunning drams (three home delivered, four tasted in Warehouse 9) that each told a story of their own, culminating in an unexpected badge winner. This homage is for Bunnahabhain, for Islay, and for the moments that linger long after the last sip.
Bunnahabhain 12 - 46.3%
No need for introductions here. Bunna’s flagship. One of the cornerstones of my whisky journey.
Nose: A delightful blend of sweetness and complexity. Initial notes of panettone and Alpenliebe candies lead to dried figs, candied fruits, and butter biscuits reminiscent of Gentilini. Subtle hints of sourdough bitterness, tanned leather, tobacco leaves, and praline add depth to the aromatic profile.
Palate: The flavors unfold with vibrant clementine and a warming touch of nutmeg. Layers of dark chocolate provide richness and balance, creating a satisfying experience.
Finish: The finish lingers with the sweetness of dates and dried figs, uplifted by a zesty hint of orange.
Overall: A reliable choice that’s always at hand for introducing sherry cask influences to newcomers. It delivers great value for its price, though the rising cost is worth noting. A solid go-to dram.
Bunnahabhain Feis Ile 2023 Canasta - 51.2%
Bottled in 2023 for the Fèis Ìle, this 51.2% abv dram has been matured in Canasta Sherry casks. This is a cream sherry (kinda blended sherry) born from drier Oloroso made from Palomino grapes with PX wine. You can still find bottles in UK for around £75 which is rather remarkable.
Nose: Sweet and fragrant with notes of caramel and lanolin, reminiscent of dry sherry. A delicate and aromatic bouquet.
Palate: A rich sherry-forward profile with flavors of dates, sultanas, and passito wine, balancing sweetness with a touch of dryness.
Finish: Long and lingering, leaving a pleasant impression of dried fruits and sherry warmth.
Overall: A well-rounded and expressive dram that requires minimal water to reveal its full character.
Bunnahabhain 17-year-old Mòine - 52.6%
This another dram for the 2023 festival of Islay aged 17 years in a mix of American Oak, First-fill Oloroso and Rum and bottled at a generous 52.6% cask strength. Only 1740 bottles exist with a UK price tag around £200.
Nose: A complex interplay of cherry and dried fruits, underscored by the warmth of a wood fire. Hints of sourdough, tangy kimchi, and fleeting notes of pear add intrigue and depth.
Palate: A savory and indulgent experience—bacon and maple syrup on pancakes, layered with a smoky cigar-like quality.
Finish: Long-length, with echoes of smoke and sweetness. More smoky bacon.
Overall: A bold and distinctive whisky with a unique peated blend of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. A memorable dram for those seeking something unconventional.
Bunnahabhain 06-year-old Bourbon Barrel - 57.5%
This is something I’ve always wanted to try. A young Bunna in bourbon only maturation. This is a warehouse 9 exclusive, 6-year old matured in single bourbon barrel and bottled a t 57.5% abv.
Nose: A punchy and herbaceous introduction with underlying hints of caramel that add a gentle sweetness. A few drops of water bring out a syrupy richness, softening the bold edges and inviting further exploration.
Palate: A strong and lively arrival, marked by a warming mix of ginger, nutmeg, and pepper. The intensity calls for a good splash of water to fully open up its layers and tame its youthful vigor.
Finish: Fierce and dynamic, with a medium-to-long length that mellows into a custardy sweetness, leaving a pleasant afterglow.
Overall: A unique and intriguing young Bunnahabhain expression, showcasing the rare profile of a pure bourbon cask. While it’s fascinating in its youth, it sparks curiosity about what a 12-15 year version might achieve—an enticing thought for bourbon cask enthusiasts.
Bunnahabhain warehouse 9 Canasta - 60.8%
Here’s another Canasta cask, this time bottled at 60.8% at around 9-years of age as a warehouse 9 exclusive. The higher abv really plays a trick.
Nose: An immediate “wow” moment, brimming with complexity. Aromas of peaches soaked in wine intertwine with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Layers of demerara sugar, lemon oil, and marron glacé add sweetness and elegance to this captivating profile.
Palate: Incredibly thick and luscious, with a rich texture that envelops the palate. Flavors of honey and baklava dominate, complemented by a ripe banana note that adds a tropical twist.
Finish: The sweetness evolves into a slightly bitter honey character, lingering on the palate seemingly forever. The banana note resurfaces, leaving a delightful and lasting impression.
Overall: A truly remarkable dram that balances richness, complexity, and texture with finesse. Outstanding in every way, this is a whisky that leaves a lasting impression and deserves its accolades.
Bunnahabhain warehouse 9 Red Wine Cask - 57.7%
I’ll be honest. I asked which wine this was, but I lost the note and forgot. Anyway, this is 13 years old matured in Red Wine and bottled at 57.7% you can find more details here.
Nose: A rich and nostalgic bouquet with notes of sultanas and dried cranberries, evoking memories of apple and cinnamon fried cakes. A touch of old-world charm emerges with hints of nanny’s wardrobe and well-worn leather.
Palate: Deeply layered flavors of dates and umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, enhanced by the passage of time and a dash of water. A winey character weaves through, adding depth and complexity.
Finish: Long and evocative, with impressions of old, mossy wood and a lingering passito-like sweetness that rounds out the experience beautifully.
Overall: A quintessential Bunnahabhain, delivering a sherry-forward profile with richness, multi-layered complexity, and excellent wood and cask influence. A classic dram that exemplifies the distillery’s expertise.
Bunnahabhain warehouse 9 Oloroso - 60.1%
We bought 2 bottles. Badge winner no discussion. Around nine years in a proper Oloroso Butt. This really shows how much care these guys have with cask selection.
Nose: A true sherry lover’s delight. Intense waves of demerara sugar evoke a richness bordering on rum-like decadence. Despite the high ABV, the aromas remain approachable and balanced, offering warmth without overwhelming.
Palate: A masterclass in subtle power. Warm and deeply satisfying, the palate delivers a waxy, coating texture with beautifully layered notes of dates and figs, showcasing the depth of sherry influence.
Finish: Exceptionally long, leaving a lasting impression of richness and warmth that continues to evolve long after the final sip.
Overall: Simply outstanding. A whisky that embodies elegance and power, with sherry influence shining through at every stage. A must-try for those who appreciate refined intensity.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Bunnahabhain 12 – 46.3%
- Bunnahabhain Feis Ile 2023 Canasta – 51.2%
- Bunnahabhain 17-year-old Mòine – 52.6%
- Bunnahabhain 06-year-old Bourbon Barrel – 57.5%
- Bunnahabhain warehouse 9 Canasta – 60.8%
- Bunnahabhain warehouse 9 Red Wine Cask – 57.7%
- Bunnahabhain warehouse 9 Oloroso – 60.1%