Bunnahabhain Mòine

This review pertains to the re-released Moine NAS from Bunnahabhain. This new version is at 46.3% ABV, not the nearly cask strength 59%. It's a peated Bunna, appearing pale gold and oily in the glass. It also leaves heavy, watery streaks and thick, slow-moving legs. The aroma is primarily chimney smoke and ripe, green apples, with a funky, sugary syrup mixed in, along with some charred oak and salty air characteristics. The taste is salty and smoky, with green apples and pears leading the profile. A touch of fudge shows up midway through. The finish is lengthy, warm, and somewhat rough, with chili pepper spice and light menthol notes that remain after the sip is finished. Overall, it definitely seems young in spirit, and the flavors don't quite harmonize as I'd hoped. The smoky notes are acceptable, but don't compare to other Islay malts. While I appreciate that Bunnahabhain occasionally makes a peated whisky, part of me wishes they'd leave that to the experts on Islay. As it stands, this is a 2.75 to 3-star dram, and I spent around $70. It's not excessively expensive, but not a great value for what's inside either. Stick to the usual peated distillers from Islay. Cheers.

Recalling this from memory (somewhat unclear due to the subject matter itself). I am new to scotch, especially smoky varieties. I purchased this as a gift for my brother. Having recently started appreciating peaty whiskies, I tend to prefer a more campfire-like peatiness, similar to Bowmore, while he favors the tarred rope type of peat, like Laphroaig. I acquired this thinking it might be smoky enough for him and possibly a good next step for me to try (not hiding the fact that I wanted him to open the bottle immediately!). So, what's the conclusion? We both really enjoyed it! The smoke and peat are prominent in both the aroma and the taste, but they are balanced by sweet honey, salmiak, and vanilla once it reaches the palate. The smoke felt more like firewood and perhaps tobacco rather than tarred pirate ships. I didn't detect any medicinal hints, but possibly some sea salt. As far as I recall, this one is more smoke-forward than my previous favorite, Bowmore, but that's not a negative. The Moine also presented really pleasant sweet notes that (at least to me now, 20 hours later) felt a bit less coarse. This was an excellent progression up the peat scale for me. I would like to have more. It was considerably more layered than I anticipated, especially considering the price point.

Strangely, Bunnahabhain's standard offerings haven't impressed me as much as their special bottlings and cask finishes. The Bunnahabhain Moine is a fantastic smoky, yet wine-like spirit that performs exceptionally well in the most crucial aspect: taste. It's bottled at 46.3% ABV and presents a pale gold hue. On the nose: The moment the bottle is opened, a beautiful perfumed smoke emerges. Notes of milk chocolate, intensely wine-like, and very grapey. Heathery peat, thick vanilla, and a sweet profile with wisps of smoke. Exceptional. On the palate, it's a bit direct, but enjoyable. Initially, a wine-like sensation with pepper comes through, followed by grapes, vanilla, and marshmallows. The finish is very satisfying. Medium in length, with a grapey/peppery overall conclusion. In summary, this whisky is highly balanced and sweet, with a wine-forward character that complements the gentle peatiness it offers. I've awarded it a strong, well-earned 92 out of 100.

Nose: Heavy charcoal peat smoke dominates, but there's also fruit (pear and green apple) and a chocolate note. Taste: Viscous for 46.3% abv and smoke smoke smoke! As it develops the apple along with a hint of chocolate-covered cherry come in. Finish: Medium, with a oak, smoke char, peat smoke, chocolate, raisin and slight nuttiness. On the tail end is a sour funkiness I can't quite describe but isn't very pleasant. Value: $65 USD; overpriced for what you get. Final Thoughts: Glad I got to try this unique NAS pour from Bunnahabhain, but compared to other peated single malts at the price point, this one fades in the face of the competition. It's got a bit of that classic Bunna profile but it's youth is evident. Score: 3/5 Try or buy at a good price Cheers to a friend for sharing this sample with me!

I'm increasing my rating for this one, as its current score is unreasonably low. It's a good young peaty scotch. The heat and phenols linger for a considerable time. Very salty and earthy on the nose and palate. I was really craving some peat, and this certainly satisfied that desire. I enjoyed it neat and will try adding a splash of water to see how it changes.

Please note, this is for the current Moine expression. It's a pleasant, well-rounded Islay whisky. I was surprised, considering Bunnahabhain typically produces unpeated spirits. The aroma features smoke, sea salt, medicinal notes, and a hint of tar. The taste is similar, but sweeter than anticipated. Good stuff.