Bunnahabhain 12 Year Cask Strength (2021 Edition)

Nose: Sweet syrup, dried figs, prunes, licorice, rum, leather, oak, soy sauce, and some noticeable alcohol. It's a wall of aromas strongly driven by sherry casks. Palate: Following the intense nose, the palate has a surprisingly soft and gentle entry with dried fruits, malt extract, dark chocolate, salted mixed nuts, caramel, and espresso. The development begins abruptly with an alcohol hit, quickly followed by emerging pepper and spice notes, tobacco, dark chocolate, and bitter black coffee. The texture is dense and has an almost chewy quality. Finish: Medium/long. Dried fruits, coffee beans, dark chocolate, oak tannin. The texture becomes creamy in the aftertaste. This is a big whisky meant for lovers of intense sherry flavors at higher proof. That's just what it is. The profile isn't particularly complex, but what's present is delivered at full volume and it does have balance, though it's a balance of heavy components. This isn't just the regular 12 year old at higher proof. The cask influence is different, and this expression contains noticeably more sherry (likely mostly oloroso, but the addition of some PX wouldn't be surprising). I diluted my sample to what I estimated was 46%, and it tasted similar but different to the regular 12 year old, which is sweeter and shows more vanilla and lighter fruit. I enjoyed it equally both neat and diluted. However, it seems fair to say this whisky is how most enthusiasts would expect the 12 year old to taste at cask strength. This might sound like I didn't like the dram, but that's not the case at all – I just don't think it warrants the hype it's getting. It's an agreeable whisky, but not outstanding. I nearly purchased a bottle. Is it twice as good as the regular 12? No. However, it's more intense and has a bigger personality. Is it worth almost twice the price? Yes, if the bold profile appeals to you and you already like the 12 year old, you will most likely find this delicious and a good value. I rate the Bunnahabhain 12 and Stiùireadair expressions (which I consider different but equal) both at 83/100. This expression is "better" than those, but it doesn't quite feel like a "4 star" whisky to me. So... “Good”: 84/100 (3.75 stars)

This is an amazing, otherworldly whisky. The Bunnahabhain 12yo Cask Strength from 2021 immediately grabbed my attention. I sought out and purchased a bottle, intending to try it with a group at my whisky masterclasses. Nearly a year later, I opened it with three other excellent whiskies, and this one stood out to everyone. It's bottled at 55.1% ABV with a tawny color. The nose is incredible. It begins with an artificial alcohol scent, like liquid paper, but then chocolate takes over. Expect chocolate-covered raisins, dark cake, and almonds. There are also notes of cinnamon and wet paint, barley, skin lotion, and chocolate powder. Red fruits and mini oranges are present too. The palate is perfect, like a chocolate lotion – strange yet amazing. You'll find sour prunes, intense spice, and milk chocolate. It genuinely alleviates stress. It's chocolate with chocolate, coated in more chocolate, like the Nesquik formula. The finish was simply sublime. Raisins; Crunch chocolate. Very dry, with cinnamon and pure dark chocolate. Overall, you absolutely must try this. Every whisky ought to be like this. It's incredibly well-executed, packed with flavor, and supremely enjoyable for a 55.1% ABV single malt. Is this the best "Bunna" I've ever had? Possibly. I give it an outstanding 97 out of 100, and for its price, it deserves a score of 10000 out of 100.

Appearance: Vivid amber. Bouquet: Sharp fruit, floral notes, and apple flowers. It also brings to mind newly treated wood with a welcome dry spice. Taste: I understand the claim of no peat, yet I'm convinced... It's like a milder, gentler Islay smoke. Apart from that, the sherry influence is agreeably understated, featuring a fruity dryness and cinnamon. End: Continues with the sweeter elements, including brown sugar and caramel. The malt profile is truly pure and distinct, becoming most prominent here. With Water: The sherry notes become more apparent, introducing raisins and toasted nuts on the nose and crystallized dates on the palate. The finish is smooth and full, though slightly less prolonged with the addition of water.

This is pretty much the standard 12YO, but amplified. It's excellent! I also enjoyed reducing it with a few drops of water to observe its evolution on the palate and contrast it with the standard 12YO.

Tastes like apples and a hint of spice. Color is medium dark. Drinking it neat, I get complex notes of spice and perhaps some citrus. The finish is smooth. When served on the rocks, more sweetness emerges. A really solid pour.

This elevates all the flavors I enjoy from the standard 12-year, amplifying them significantly. A delightful dram, rich with nutty, spicy raisins, wonderfully thick and chewy, delivering an amazing experience!