I wasn’t the biggest fan of Bunnahabhain 12 when I had it (I’m a peat guy), but I didn’t hate it (love a lot of other things they’ve put out, though). I did, however, want to try this, as exploration is what makes this hobby so great, and as palates change a budget alternative could be good to know about. How was it?
Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair, Islay Single Malt, 46.3% ABV
Minutia: Matured in 1st and 2nd fill Sherry casks. Reviewed blind, neat in an opaque glencairn.
Color: Chestnut, Oloroso Sherry; 1.2.
Nose: Feinty, malt, fresh fruit, leather, honey.
Taste: More malt, nutty, chocolate with cherry goop. Hint of spice.
Finish: Much of the same, More malt, spice replaced with honey. Medium-long. Chocolate much more prevalent on the tail end.
Guess: Unpeated for sure. Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain, probably a small batch. Nose felt very Laddie, but the palate skewed heavily Bunnahabhain. If it’s a Laddie, maybe it’s a Black Art, but doesn’t feel rich enough to be a release like that. Not a thin mouthfeel, but suggests lower ABV.
Interesting. This specific experience feels better than my memory of the 12. The blindness could affect that, of course. A decent dram, but it doesn’t wow. The fact that this was enjoyable enough further cements my already sturdy position that the 12 and 18 are worth a revisit with my current palate.
Score: 75
Here are links to the other posts from this calendar:
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