For my fourth review, I will be showcasing the four whiskies that I tried during my visit to Bunnahabhain distillery as well as a further special sample which was provided by my tour guide, Bethany.

The five whiskies are as follows:

1) Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old

2) Bunnahabhain 18 Years Old

3) Bunnahabhain Cruach Mhona

4) Bunnahabhain Toiteach

5) Bunnahabhain 25 Years Old (Special sample)

Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old (46.3% abv)

Colour: Deep amber

Nose: Sweet, malty goodness. Some sherry notes with just a hint of peat. Light maritime and coastal undertones.

Palate: Soft, sherry sweetness. Slightly dry mouthfeel. Coats the palate well. Coastal undertones from the nose apparent on the palate. Raisins and faint hints of tobacco pouch. More-ish.

Finish: Medium finish with the sherry sweetness being the star of the show. Coastal undertones morphing into a saltiness with just a hint of peat smoke. Really good entry-level dram.

Bunnahabhain 18 Years Old (46.3% abv)

Colour: Sherry gold

Nose: Salty sweetness, somewhat reminiscent of salted caramel. Spicy with a citrus character. Sherried notes with some sultanas and just a hint of smoke.

Palate: Woah! Sherried sweetness intermingled with the coastal saltiness and spice. Christmas cake. Slightly oily mouthfeel. Quite chewy. Peat smoke peeking through the sweetness towards the middle.

Finish: Long, sweet, spicy and smoky. One of the best whiskies I have tasted in a long while. Very keen to acquire a bottle!

Bunnahabhain Cruach Mhona (50% abv)

Colour: Light gold

Nose: Coastal elements with some roasted malt and eucalyptus. Restrained smokiness yet somewhat citrusy.

Palate: Peat monster! Not really apparent from the nose, but quite smoky and spicy. Peat smoke gives way to some malty sweetness and coastal saltiness. Pepper and aniseed towards the end.

Finish: Medium length, somewhat drying and peppery. Decent dram, but more of an acquired taste.

Bunnahabhain Toiteach (46% abv)

Colour: Straw

Nose: Smoky yet sweet. Some peatiness but more of a citrusy character to it. Spicy.

Palate: Not as smoky as the nose, restrained peat. Spicy sweetness with some fruit and pepper.

Finish: Long and spicy with just a hint of peat and lingering smokiness. Quite a good dram to have on cold nights.

Bunnahabhain 25 Years Old (46.3% abv)

Colour: Sherry gold

Nose: Sherried sweetness with some spiciness. Toffee notes with some saltiness. Oaky goodness.

Palate: Rich, sherry goodness. Stewed red fruits with some spicy undertones. Malty, slightly peppery. Quite chewy.

Finish: Long, sweet finish with more stewed fruits and some nutmeg. Very good dram and definitely good value for money!

Slainte!

Brendan

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