Bunnahabhain 12 Year Cask Strength (2023 Edition)

Aroma: Concentrated malt, fruitcake, and citrus zest. Significant oak tannins. Dilution introduces lighter wood scents like sandalwood and cedar. Taste: Potent woody and raisin notes on entry, alongside ginger and pepper. Sweeter development (sultanas, fruitcake). Water softens the profile, revealing malt sweetness. The texture is thick and slick, persisting even with substantial dilution. Finish: Extended. Sweet malt and cooked dark fruit. A superb single malt that significantly improves with ample water and patience in the glass. As previously noted for earlier versions of this whisky, it is not merely standard Bunnahabhain 12 year old at a higher proof. Comparing the two whiskies side-by-side clearly shows two distinctions. Firstly, the cask influence is quite different, with the cask-strength bottling being more wood-forward and oaky. Secondly, the standard core expression remains a very enjoyable dram with a more approachable and chocolate-forward profile. I've encountered reviews stating the standard 12 is inferior, with only the cask-strength 12 being "authentic," but I strongly disagree. Both are excellent whiskies, though this one is undeniably more intricate and impactful. Tasted during a storm, aboard a topsail schooner moored in Bunnahabhain Bay, from a bottle acquired at the distillery. It's hard to imagine a better setting. "Very Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

Nose: Raisin, dried strawberry, toffee, walnut, Nutella, pizza crust. Palate: Like a trail mix heavy on dried fruit, with fruit, nuts, and M&Ms, plus salt. It’s not too harsh neat, but I think it opens up nicely with a little water. I enjoy this, but I'm not sure it's superior to a Batch Strength Tamdhu. The salty note might make it slightly distinctive. If you can find it in the $85-$95 range in your area, I'd suggest trying it, but I wouldn't pay more than the Tamdhu. I paid a bit too much for this one because it isn't sold in my state.

Aroma: salted caramel, toffee, overripe berries, nougat. Taste: More salted caramel and toffee, soft pretzel, spicy cinnamon bark, peanut brittle, underripe banana, rum raisin bread pudding. Finish: Lingering with more of those dessert notes, chocolate, doughy cinnamon rolls, and underripe banana. Even at full proof, it's still very approachable and quite delightful. I'm not typically fond of cask strength sherry bombs, but this one is exceptional. The salty elements balance the sherry's sweetness, creating a very well-rounded dram.

Remarkable! Bunnahabhain dialed up! Deep sherry notes with hints of raisins and apricots, a sweet aroma carrying wonderful Christmas spices. A complex and robust dram. Unexpectedly smooth for its 60% ABV, with a palate bursting with sweet and spicy flavors I'm eager to explore further! Truly delighted to be impressed by a non-peated scotch!

Aroma - dried grapes, caramel candy, burnt sugar, baking spices. A touch of saltiness is present. Slightly briny. Taste - extremely sweet, sherry-prominent, powerful! Very sweet and quite balanced. Quite peppery, likely from the high proof! Adding two drops of water reveals peat smoke even though it's not peated! Truly appreciated the serving!!

This Islay whisky is quite unusual. It lacks smokiness but has a very high alcohol content.