Islay whisky without the smoke
Ask most people to describe Islay whisky and the answer is usually the same: peat, smoke and seaweed. But the island has another side, and Bunnahabhain is the best example of it. Its whisky is unpeated, rounded and rich, with a style that suits anyone who loves sherry-cask malt.
The Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength takes that style and turns up the volume.
What is it?
This is the second annual release of Bunnahabhain’s 12 Year Old Cask Strength, bottled at 56.6% ABV. It shows the whisky behind the standard 12 Year Old at its most direct, before it is reduced and blended by Master Blender Julieann Fernandez. Compared with the gentler 2021 release, it has a more intense, spicier and richer profile.
How it is made
Bunnahabhain’s Blending Team hand-selects the casks for their type and character. The whisky is mainly matured in first and second-fill Oloroso sherry casks, with a touch of bourbon barrels to keep the balance. Like all Bunnahabhain whiskies, it is non-chill filtered and bottled in natural colour.
Inspired by Warehouse 9
The release draws on Warehouse 9, a distillery experience where visitors taste whisky straight from the cask. This bottling is meant to capture the same feeling at home: big flavour, no shortcuts.
Tasting notes
- Aroma: Spices, zesty orange marmalade and dried fruit
- Palate: Intense spice and rich dried fruit, with orange marmalade and warm toasted oak
- Finish: Long and warming, with spice and oak
How to enjoy it
At 56.6%, this is a whisky to take slowly:
- Start neat. Take a small sip to get the full intensity.
- Add water. A few drops soften the alcohol and open up the orange and dried fruit notes.
- Pair it. Dark chocolate, orange desserts, roasted nuts and mature cheese all work well.
Who is it for?
- Sherry cask fans who want a rich, spicy malt at full strength
- Islay lovers who prefer a gentler style without peat smoke
- Collectors who follow Bunnahabhain’s annual releases
- Anyone curious about what cask strength tastes like
Where to buy
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength is available at BestWhisky.be for €126,90, tax included. Explore our full range of Islay and single malt whisky.
Please enjoy responsibly. Not for sale to persons under 18.
