I won’t lie to you. Part of the charm of today’s malt is just saying the name. I am not sure how I can integrate Bunnahabhain into my daily conversation, but if there is a way I will find it.
History
No one would be surprised to discover that the Bunnahabhain distillery is based in a sleepy village of the same name on the northern coast of Islay. It is actually in view of the Isle of Jura, where another active distillery is based. The distillery was a late bloomer among the Islay distilleries, arriving on the scene just before the 1900s. This makes it the little brother among the Islay family of distilleries. And in that vein, this distillery is know for producing one of the milder whiskys of Islay.
Whisky
This malt seems a little shy on first glance. Bunnahabhain arrives in a sparkling green bottle, which makes it stand out among competitors from its tiny isle. Yet the green tint makes assessing the color of the whisky in the bottle impossible. Rest assured though, when it reaches the glass, it’s a lovely golden honey tone.
A quick sniff and I am embraced by a fresh sea breeze. It is as if I have been swept away to Bunnahabhain’s homeland. The malt is sweet and slightly briny. It’s like a boat trip around the isle in a bottle. What a treat!
The first sip reveals that the fresh sweetness of the malt isn’t present in scent alone. This malt is delightful with a sweet sherry essence, which makes it a very gentle whisky. As I sip, I notice an undertone of saltiness balancing the sweet. As the flavor settles, I detect an herby essence right at the end of the malt. Perhaps we have come to shore?
Overall, the Bunnahabhain is quite a special whisky. As reputed, it is the “strange” little brother of the Islay whiskys. The Bunnahabhain distillery takes a completely different angle on its approach to whisky. Rather than a robust smoky fisherman I have seen in so many of the Islay malts, this whisky chooses to channel the lovely sweetness of the island itself. The product of their labor is something refreshing and a gentle whisky aperitif.
Price: $50
Other Notes: An Islay whisky for those who aren’t keen on the heavy peat and smoke elements that characterize Islay whisky.
Quick Notes:
Smell: sea air, fresh, malt, sweet, salt
Taste: sweet malt, sherry, salt, herbs