This Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is always a neat malt to serve to people. I enjoy it very much and appreciate its very different character to all other Islay Single Malts. Its bottled at 46.3% without colouring and is non-chillfiltered. What's not to like?
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Colour: Golden colour like it was in first-fill bourbon casks. It has a bit of brown in the colour as well and since this is the natural colour I wonder if that comes from some sherry butts in the mix?
Nose: fruity - tart, crisp fruits - followed by a very light wisp of smoke. Honey and chocolate. Some lemon too. Again, feels like there are bourbon casks working together with oloroso sherry casks on this one. Adding water seems to make smoke and chocolate come out a little more. There is a little mint or rosemary in there too, I think. Lovely, really.
Palate: honey and some fruit and a faint wisp of smoke way back on the palate. Hold this on the tongue and it goes in waves - honey - melon - touch of citrus (grapefruit?) - hint of smoke.
Finish: Finishes medium in terms of persistence and makes it just below the Adam's apple with a some back-palate heat. All enjoyable!
This is a very tasty and different whisky, especially when compared to most people think of when they think Islay. There is nothing offensive here - just a good and distinct profile. When would I drink this? Tough one - probably fits in the digestif category but, honestly, once you've had this I think you drink this when you feel like you need some Bunna 12.
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