Spirits Focus: Bunnahabhain

Say “Islay” to any whisky lover, and perhaps the first thing that will come to their minds is “peat.” Indeed, the island’s reputation is almost inextricably linked to the peaty malts of Islay’s south coast distilleries, redolent of bonfire smoke, sea spray and iodine. However, this is far from the full story; the island’s northernmost distillery Bunnahabhain has earned its worldwide renown with the production of unpeated whisky, focussing on a big, bold style of whisky which takes sherry cask maturation incredibly well, offering an impeccable balance between intensity and elegance.

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Bunnahabhain 1998 Manzanilla Cask Finish - GBP 285 IB per bottle - 54 bottles available

70cl @ 52.3% ABV

Former Bunnahabhain Master Distiller Brendan McCarron long extolled the glories of Bunnahabhain distillate filled into sherry casks. However, when one thinks of sherry casks in terms of whisky maturation, it is often Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez that spring to mind. However, for this special 2023 Feis Ile release, the team at Bunnahabhain looked at a different style of sherry – nutty, coastal Manzanilla. Distilled on 28th October 1998 and filled initially into American oak casks, the liquid was then transferred into first-fill Manzanilla casks on 25th May 2016, where it remained until bottling in 2022. The result is a supremely complex, elegant and indulgent dram, one that is bound to delight Bunnahabhain lovers the world over.

Notes of freshly baked pastry and sweet almonds on the nose, with some rose petals, grapefruit, dried baking spices, mahogany furniture and a fragrant, incense-type note. Lots of coastal influence on the palate, with some seaweed, salted caramel, raisins, dates, creamy fudge, waxed red apples and star anise, ending with caramelised walnuts, lemon peel and sea salt.

Bunnahabhain 30-Year-Old - GBP 475 IB per bottle - 3 bottles available

70cl @ 46.3% ABV

The latest addition to the Bunnahabhain range, this fully Sherry cask-matured expression is a classic example of its type; distillate driven and with superb oak influence. Seemingly bigger and richer than its 25-Year-Old “sibling”, this expression is already something of a modern classic.

A nose of butterscotch, beeswax and sweet sherry, leading to a palate of strawberries and cream that gradually subside to allow honey, nuts, cereal and an abundance of rich toffee to shine through. Berries and ginger on the finish, with a lasting heat of spiced oak on the tongue and salted caramel.

Bunnahabhain 40-Year-Old - GBP 1,315 IB per bottle - 1 bottle available

70cl @ 41.9% ABV

Aged for 40 years in casks that were sourced from legendary wine and spirit merchant J.G Turney, this is a true demonstration of what it takes to make superlative whisky – quality spirit, quality casks, time and patience. A wonderfully old-fashioned whisky, Bunnahabhain 40-Year-Old is a must for any lover of complex, elegant and balanced whiskies.

Hints of tropical fruits on the nose, with some banana, berries, creamy toffee, vanilla, rich nuttiness and delicate sweet oak. Sweet malt on the palate, with creamy caramel, vanilla, creamy berries, with hints of toasted nuts, tropical fruit, banana and pineapple. Long, sweet and fruity on the finish, with barley sugar, rich sherry and treacle toffee.

ETA - Available Now

Offered subject to final confirmation and the usual terms of sale. E&OE March 2025.