Bunnahabhain

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Bunnahabhain

No: 10
Producer: Highland Distilleries
Region: Islay
District: North Shore - Multimap view
OS Sheet 60 ; Map reference NR 420 730 ; Latitude 55 53.1° N, Longitude 6 7.1° W
Founded 1881 ; Operating Status (1999): operating

The distillery, established in 1881 is set round a courtyard in a style that resembles a chateau in Bordeaux. Despite expansion in 1963 the distillery is little changed. Its water comes from streams in the hills but is piped and therefore less peaty than might otherwise be expected. The stills are large [and] onion-shaped, though in this instance pear- shaped might be a better description. Bunnahabhain emphasises the narrowness of the cut taken from the stills.
© Michael Jackson 1994

Distillery rating: 3*

Port Askaig

Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Argyll, PA46 7RP
Tel: 01496-840646

tastings

12 yr old, 80 proof
Somewhat sweeter that the other Islays, and with a bit rougher finish. Still a fine malt. [lh]

I tasted the Bunnahabhain 10.16. Not surprisingly it is very different than other Islays. I agree with the tasting notes concerning the lack of peaty taste compared with other Islays and the sherry casks smooth out the initial palate but that does not change to long full finish.

I really liked this bottling and would recommend it to others. I tried a couple of mixes of Evian water and enjoyed the 50/50 water to spirit the best.

For those who don't remember the age of the malt was 19 compared to the 12 year old noted by Jackson. It also comes at 117.2 proof. [br]

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