Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The Bunnahabhain distillery is located on the north of Islay with Caol Ila as its only neighbour. The upeated style of this distillery has gained Bunnahabhain a reputation as the most gentle single malt produced on an island famed for its massively flavoured whiskies. Water is piped in from from Margadale Springs and the whisky is distilled twice in the distillery's unusual pear-shaped pot stills. Casks used to age the spirit are ex-Bourbon barrels.

Tasting note: Polished copper / mahogany appearance. Hints of furniture wax are followed by light molasses and raisin cake. Doesn't budge in the second pass with the accent remaining on the spicy fruit cake qualities. A delicious fruit and wood burst has apple core and vanilla combining in a beautifully balanced sweet / dry delivery as the warming surge subsides to faint sugars in the aftertaste. This whisky is more expressive in the mouth. Idiosyncratic. 46.3%

Other reviews... (93.5) - n23 A sumptuous amalgam of lightly salted roasted hazelnet shimmering within its own oil. Oloroso bulging with toasted, slightly singed currants, a sliver of kumquat and topped by thick vanilla. Irresistable...t24.5almost impossible to fault: the oloroso grandly, almost pompously, leads the way, exuding thick, Christmas cake pudding depth; a light muscovado sugar top dressing counters the deeper, lightly salted vanillas which; f22 a very slight sulphury note sullies the tone somewhat, but there is enough rich vanilla ande spotted dick for some enjoyable afters; b23only an odd cask has dropped this from being a potential award winner to something that is merely magnificent... - Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2012

...Creamier than the 12-bigger too, with broader shoulders and greater depth. Fairly sweet up front, with vanilla-laced malt, chewy toffee, and ripe fruit. Almond fudge and a hint of espresso add intrigue, while dry wood spice on the finish underpins the whisky's characteristic sweetness. Contemplative and complex. 92 points - www.maltadvocate.com, (Vol. 15, #2) Reviewed by: John Hansell