Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old
A great introduction to Islay
4 290
mReview by @mhock66
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall90
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- Brand: Bunnahabhain
- Type: Scotch
- Region: Islay
- ABV: 43%
My taste in single malts usually runs to the more powerful Islays - Laphroaig, Ardbeg, etc. I've had the 12 yr old 'Buna, and recently got the 18. Man, was I blown away!! The depth and complexity of flavors was amazing.
Color was incredibly rich and dark, like a deep chestnut or oak. Lots of sherry on the nose, with the sweetness coming through. A definite raisin scent as well, with just a hint of iodine and the salty sea in the background. On the palate, there's lots of fruit and sweetness with the first sip, with some vanilla and caramel, framed by a lightly smoky and "maritime" background. I found it to have a nice long finish, without the mineral or flint remaining in the mouth like most Islay malts. Almost like you had a piece of candy. This is one to be savored and nurtured, and would be a perfect dram on a cold evening. It's definitely not the "standard" Islay, but this is an absolute gem.
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Sounds so tasty in this review!
This one should really be on my proverbial "buy list" someplace—or even just my "try list." I've never had it, and it feels like a significant gap in my malty experience.