Bunnahabhain 18 Year

A tasting event in Sydney on June 15, 2022, featured this whisky as the third selection. The aroma presented substantial notes of sherry, raisins, nuts, mixed dried citrus peel, plums, figs, and cinnamon. A mature oak scent, reminiscent of old waxed furniture, filled the air, accompanied by a subtle trace of smoke. Compared to earlier versions, this bottling offered more sandalwood and lighter fruit notes. A few drops of water enhanced it slightly, though it wasn't necessary. The initial taste was gentle but developed into a commanding presence with a refined texture. Flavors of mixed stewed fruit, well-integrated baking spices, chocolate, salted caramel, and tobacco were present. The spice notes warmed over time, introducing black pepper and hot cinnamon without upsetting the overall balance. The texture became richer as tannins emerged, yet this was counteracted by underlying dark sugar notes, maintaining equilibrium. The conclusion was medium to long, leaving tastes of dark fruit, leather, and chocolate. This is a top-tier whisky for me. I was captivated by it years ago, and a sample received in 2020 reawakened my appreciation for its qualities. That specific sample, likely from a 2017 or 2018 batch, was possibly the peak for this expression. While the current late 2021 batch is still impressive, it lacks the finesse of previous years. Nevertheless, it was the second-best dram of the evening, significantly outperforming the other Bunnahabhains tasted, which displayed noticeable youthful harshness. This superior whisky provided a welcome respite. The cost is increasing, but it remains essential for enthusiasts. Rated "Very Good": 87/100 (4.25 stars). Reviewed April 24, 2020. The aroma was a comforting embrace of sherry and oak, evoking a perfect Christmas cake with dark malt, dried fruit, sweet roasted nuts (hazelnut and toasted almond), and rich leather. A subtle lemon zest note was present, along with hints of smoke and waxed furniture, but not in the manner of a typical smoky whisky. It suggested sitting by a fire where most fumes were consumed, with only a faint wisp reaching the nose. As it opened up, mint and caramel toffee appeared. The empty glass offered notes of fruitcake with a touch of charcoal. The taste was like liquidoloroso sherry cask, chocolate toffee, sweet tobacco, and fruitcake. It was deep, resonant, and malty, with a texture that was creamy, chewy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and astringent. It started dry and spicy, but sweet fruit, vanilla, and warming muscovado sugar quickly provided equilibrium. A trace of salt was detected, and it coated the mouth with delight. The finish was very long, with the warming, dense sweet malt character slowly yielding to a sweet oak aftertaste. This is an incredibly expressive whisky. It had been too long since my last taste. The journey from the malty arrival to the oaky finish is consistently enjoyable. The nose resembles older Glenfarclas, but the palate is less austere. This spirit bursts from the glass with great enthusiasm. It's a quintessential desert island dram, a must-try experience. It might even make you reconsider drinking anything else. Many thanks to a friend for the sample, which brought back fond memories. I attempted to purchase a bottle but found none available in the country. Please, Bunnahabhain, send more. "Outstanding": 90/100 (5 stars) [AUD$250 in 2020].

There's a story told on a pirate ship at sea, about a cabin boy's aspiration to become a sailor. 'Well!' the captain declared to him, 'you are merely a sea gull among the albatrosses. If you wish to be a sailor, then bring me a bottle of Bunny 18!' Thus began my pursuit, involving regular Google searches for months. There was no reasonable deal to be found anywhere in the 50 states. Until one day, a store in Jersey City appeared on the map. One week and 2,800 miles later, the bottle arrived, complete with its tin – quite handsome, not too tall. Nose: Aromas of butterscotch and brown sugar, invitingly balanced and enveloped in sherry. Picking apart the scent reveals hints of cherries and even citrus emerging from the oak. Palate: The progression on the palate is best described by a fellow reviewer as, 'It arrives dry and spicy,' with the sweet notes later providing 'equilibrium.' (Their review here offers the most accurate flavor profile and aided my tasting experience.) Smooth, aged sherry, toffee, sweet tobacco, and fruitcake with an intense mouthfeel. (This is almost a verbatim quote.) With subsequent sips, the palate further reveals oranges, chocolate milk, and a satisfying nuttiness. Finish: A surprisingly long finish of dried red and citrus fruits. The texture is slightly leathery, but this is a welcome addition – evidence that this is a mature expression and worth every drop. The finish just lingers on and on. What an adventure! It's not overly dynamic – the range of contrasts is narrower than, say, Ardbeg Oogie or Lagavulin 16 – but everything on the palate harmonizes well to offer a scotch that is sweetly complex and delightful. Indeed, I eagerly anticipate its further development as it oxidizes over time. After the first dram, I stood up and shook my fist at the bottle, and to paraphrase another reviewer, I exclaimed, 'I know who you are, Bunny 18! You are here to ruin my liver!'

Bunnahabhain Comparison Bunnahabhain 13 Year Marsala Finish Bunnahabhain 18 Year My experience with Bunnahabhain is limited to the 12 year expression and these two bottles. I haven't tasted either in a while. Although I've consistently enjoyed the 18 year, I remember not being fond of the 13 year marsala finish. Let's find out how this goes. Bunnahabhain 13 Year Marsala Finish The color is a clear, dark orange amber. The aroma presents notes of honey, a biscuity blueberry scone, pine rosin, and coffee. There's also an unexpected raspberry or lingonberry note for me. The palate offers dates and a slight bitterness, which is what I recall disliking from my last tasting a few years back. It concludes with some spiciness leading to brown sugar and vanilla. This is a limited release exclusively for the US market. It is non-chill filtered, with no statement regarding coloring, though it is slightly lighter than the Bunnahabhain 18, which is stated to have no added coloring. It was aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon casks, followed by three years in marsala wine casks, at 46.3% ABV. While there are distinct notes and flavors, it's more intriguing than complex. There are still elements of this whisky I cannot quite decipher after 30 minutes of smelling and tasting, and it feels somewhat unfocused. Bunnahabhain 18 Year The color is clear, orange mahogany, slightly darker than the Bunnahabhain 13. The nose has a tangy, barbeque sauce quality, reminiscent of Heinz 57, along with dried speck, oak, dark toffee, dates, and a hint of sherry sweetness. More sherry is present on the palate, with espresso and noticeable ethanol. The BBQ tang reappears briefly on the finish, accompanied by lingering vanilla sweetness. It is non-chill filtered, with no added coloring. Aged in ex-sherry casks at 46.3% ABV. Quite enjoyable.

I've wanted to try this for a long time. Thankfully, a friend shared a sample from their bottle. Nose: A rich sherry quality is evident, with notes of golden raisins, peaches, oranges, and apricots, leading to rich caramel, aged polished oak, dark maple syrup, candied cinnamon almonds, a savory character - akin to bacon jam rather than Islay smoked meats - and ocean sea salt. Palate: Begins with sherry richness and a creamy maple syrup mouthfeel with a hint of ocean sea salt, then transitions to rich caramel with notes of orange, raisin, and peaches. Dark chocolate with pieces of candied bacon, cinnamon almonds, barrel spices with cracked black pepper, and medium oak tannins are present in the background. Finish: Long and lingering with sherry notes of golden raisins, caramel, smooth oakiness, and black pepper spice. Comparison: I recently tried the Bunnahabhain 25; while that one was very polished, it was softer and more refined than this. I actually prefer this one due to its complexity and strong flavors, whereas the 25 is more subtle. Some say the best Islay whiskies are in their teens, and I agree, as most Islay drinkers seek a powerful flavor experience rather than a delicate spirit. This also offers better value at $140 compared to the $700+ price of the 25.

Nose: Dried fruits in dark syrup, liquid malt, cocoa, sweet medicinal syrup, mint, tart blood oranges, apricots, raisins, milk chocolate, chilled tea, fresh autumn foliage, the scent of an old book/paper, dry exotic spices, and caramelized nuts create a wonderfully balanced, rich, and powerful mix. Palate: Tastes of ground coffee/roasted wood, cereal with dried berries, citrus, and slightly bitter dried fruits (like dates, but less sweet). Finish: Oak-forward with a touch of smokiness (more from cask char than peat), and dry orchard fruits. I sampled this whisky about a year ago and knew I needed to acquire a bottle. After it was sold out for months, I bought one as soon as it was restocked. This is simply a very pleasant whisky. It's easy to drink yet highly engaging and full of flavor, offering much to explore across its broad spectrum of tastes and aromas. It is rich, deep, and 'dark.' Exceptionally well-crafted and balanced. I adore it. It's an excellent whisky to share, as it seems likely to appeal to a wide range of whisky enthusiasts.

I have three bottles from this producer (12 yr, 13 yr Marsala finish, 18 yr), and I don't sample it very often. The 13-year Marsala finish strikes me as unusual; the 12-year isn't significantly different. However, I'm reconsidering my opinion of the 18-year. After appreciating and reviewing the Glendronach Allardice 18-Year, I wished to try another 18-year-old expression and discovered this one. It's superior to my prior evaluation (8/22/22). I still detect that mixed-grill flavor, although it's more subdued now. Demerara sugar, smoked meat, cocoa powder, chocolate-covered cherries, and salt are present. A subtle smokiness that could be mistaken for light peat, but this is not peated. Pipe tobacco and leather on the finish. It's more refined and less intense than the Glendro 18 I tasted previously. Would I purchase it again? It's quite expensive at over $200, but I'd like to think I would. No E150a coloring. Unfiltered. 46.3% alcohol by volume.