Bunnahabhain Abhainn Araig (Fèis Ìle 2022)

Wow, two weekends in a row with a reported tasting. I think they call that a trend. I’m a fan of Bunna. I have a bunch in my collection. The 12 is a nice, light, phenolic sip. The 18 is excellent (all in my opinion). This sample was graciously provide by @PBMichiganWolverine Tonight, watching the Mets v Phillies and a documentary on Teddy Roosevelt (quite good, by the way). The nose has the almost unmistakable Bunna profile: rubber tires, caramel sweetness and maritime sea-spray. A light and lofty fruitiness: apples, Red raspberry jam and golden sultanas. A dusting of baking cocoa powder on pecans. The streams steady on the sweeter side, but it light and floaty. Unlike the sweet nose, the palate is prickly, hot and with a spice kick. That crescendos and intensity, but begins to settle down. Almonds and walnuts form the flavor foundation supporting the light flavors of red raspberry and sultanas, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger root. Wood, ginger and baking cocoa, white pepper and charcoal finish. They holds on for a medium-long time with slight tingling on the tongue. Bunnahabhain has a knack for creating whisky that usually above average to great. This is a decent scotch but lacks a boldness, variety and balance that anchors a great whisky. This is a drinkable whisky and enjoyable. It just doesn’t have enough of any particular quality to distinguish itself or make it unique. A good, lightly sweet sipping scotch. May even pair well with a mild cigar and a Mets game (Mets won 7-2; #LGM). Thanks @PbMichiganWolverine for the sample. [86/100][Tasted: 8/19/22]

The nose starts moderately sour with golden raisins, lemon juice and light sea salt caramel then cocoa powder dusted prunes and toasted hazelnuts followed by balsamic strawberries, lychee and grapefruit pith that transitions to very light baking spices with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a thin mouthfeel starting moderately sour with golden raisins, lemon juice and moderate ocean brine then a moderately bitter and sour spice that slowly fades to chalk, cocoa powder dusted prunes and toasted hazelnuts followed by balsamic strawberries, lychee and grapefruit pith that transitions to cloves, ginger and moderately ashy oak spice with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with dark chocolate covered raisins, toasted almonds, cloves, ginger, black pepper and mildly ashy oak. Overall, this was an average whiskey that the nose is moderately sour that took some effort to find other notes besides lemon, raisin and salt the palate is a thinner mouthfeel than expected that veers towards a moderate bitter spice with a chalky saltiness with bolder flavors than the nose but still moderately sour before finishing with an enjoyable dark chocolate, toasted nuts and light ashy spices. I’m more adverse to sour and bitter spices than most, so this might turn out to be more favorable on other palates than mine, but this comes across too sour and bitter for me to find worthy of a purchase. A huge thanks to @PBMichiganWolverine for providing a sample of this Feis Ile bottle for me to try.

“Bunnahabhain & Friends” tasting at The Oak Barrel, Sydney, 15 June 2022. Whisky #2 Nose: Leafy, like dry autumn leaves. Sherry, cocoa powder. The nose has initial impact but is surprisingly shy and lacks complexity. Water does the nose no favours. Palate: Big, grippy arrival. Raisins, walnuts, peanut skins, dark hard toffee, bitter chocolate, tobacco leaf, a touch of ash, intense spice, liquorice, leather, and raw alcohol. Water lengthens the palate but does not significantly change it. Finish: Medium/long. Spicy/sour. Cocoa, nuts and oak. Dry and astringent. I would never in a million years have pegged this as a PX finished whisky. It’s sherried, for sure, but the profile shows more of an oloroso influence and not one that is derived from the best quality casks. The nose and palate are dry and share walnut, resin and dried fig characteristics. The palate is a little “dirty”, but not in a good way, and there is a naked ethanol presence in both nose and palate - you occasionally get a waft or taste of straight ethanol cutting through. The profile also lacks juiciness or light, fresh fruit. On the whole this whisky tastes as if it is old before its time, but not mature. This was not available for purchase on the night, but when stocks come in it will probably be around $200, and I would not pay that much. “Good (just)” : 83/100 (3.5 stars)

This is the 2022 Feis Ile non-peated version. I always thought Bunna was at its best when it’s peated, but wanted to give this a try. The price seemed right, and I’m a sucker for PX finishes. Without water: harsher on the nose and palette, with a strong taste of balsamic vinegar strawberries. With a touch of water: much more chocolate, the balsamic vinegar strawberries are more chocolate covered strawberries. Overall—-not a bad Bunna, but leaves me guessing if it’s any better than the much cheaper 12yr old

Solid stuff Nose: Plums, Milk Chocolate, Raisins, Coconuts, Bananas, Oranges, Almonds, Cinnamon Palate: Raisins, Vanilla, Plums, Coconuts, Banana, Salted Caramel, Toffee, Dates Finish: Raisins, Plums, Dates, Cherries, Blackberries, Hazlenuts

A lovely nose of milk chocolate covered raisins and prunes leads into mouth flavors of syrup of figs and ground coffee. Finishes long on bitter sweet chocolate. Perfectly quaffable.