Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dhà

The body seems thin with minimal glass cling. A swirl briefly coats the glass before immediately sheeting down, leaving small, irregular droplets, making me doubt the quality of the distillate, the cask, or both. The aroma offers generic peated, sherried Scotch notes: smoke, unspecific red fruits, and a hint of honey. Subsequent sniffs reveal an oceanic sea spray, which I typically associate with Islay but have also detected in a few other spirits. It's intriguing, but only to the extent that it differs from any Scotch I've previously encountered. The taste begins with a jammy sweetness, with fig and plum notes briefly appearing on the tongue before peat smoke dominates, overpowering any developing complexity. However, this is acceptable because the smoke possesses a distinctly superior flavor profile on its own, starting rich and heavy (reminiscent of smoked BBQ) and then becoming slightly briny. In the mid-palate, the smoke shifts to a dry, ashy character, introducing a touch of chewing tobacco leaf before concluding. The finish becomes a bit earthier and dirtier, leaving a dry smoke to persist for nearly a minute. This is a commendable spirit, though I believe it could benefit from additional cask aging. I would be interested in a 12-year-old expression. My primary concern is the value proposition. Perhaps my local market is unusual, but all the Scotch here has become pricey lately; the 12-year-old has increased from $67 a year ago to $87, and the 12CS and 18-year-old are practically unavailable. At $92, this spirit faces competition from numerous truly excellent whiskies, and there's little incentive to choose it over a bottle of Lore, Cairdeas, or Benromach 15. It's good, but those alternatives are superior. I'm pleased to have tried it, but I'm unlikely to purchase another bottle once this one is finished.

I've seen this Bunnahabhain, whose name is difficult to pronounce, numerous times and never actually tried it. However, it's one of those instances where you think you've tasted a whisky until someone offers you a glass, you check your notes, and voilà, a new review is needed. Toiteach a Dha translates to "SMOKY TWO," as this appears to be a spin-off of a popular Bunna malt called Toiteach ("smoky"). Bottled at 46.3% ABV. On the nose, peaty notes! It smells like cotton socks, fabric softener, and fresh towels. A very citrusy lime note is present, along with Bunnahabhain's signature chocolate. A second taste revealed a sense of humidity and the damp pages of an old, wet book. The palate is good but too simple, featuring chocolate, socks, and gooseberries. The aftertaste is dominated by pepper, cotton, and the scent of a new can of tennis balls. It's not overly complex but is enjoyable. Overall, this is a successful dram. A peaty/chocolate whisky is always a winner for me. It's not excessively expensive and is certainly full of flavor. A nice single malt; I rate it 86 out of 100.

Enhances the original, elevating it significantly. The nose presents notes of burnt brisket ends, bacon fat, resinous smoke, and graham cracker sweetness with malty oak. The palate is oily and rich. It resembles a smoked glazed donut, akin to Lap quarter cask. Imagine brisket and ribs slow-cooked in a pit with seasoned oak. Good malt notes and some raw vanilla integrate into the finish. Heavy charred barrel, smoky vanilla with sweet creamy malt that lingers to a subtle fade of animal cracker crumbs and cigar butts. A powerful smoky scotch, comparable to the PC series. Its youth is apparent but not detrimental to this potent smoky expression..........92/100.....PC10 may be superior, but this is truly delicious stuff.

Color: Pale, soft amber. Aroma: Gentle dried fruits complemented by cracked black pepper and campfire smoke. The sherry influence is quite prominent here. Taste: A mild saltiness emerges with pronounced coastal peat. The sherry notes are less intense, but a pleasant sweetness of raisins persists. Finish: Extended and abundant. Syrupy, spicy, and savory. Truly the highlight of the experience. With Water Added: The aroma develops distinct cinnamon notes alongside fresh floral hints. The taste becomes honeyed but loses some body, and the finish acquires a slight ashiness from a fireplace, though it generally shortens. (Use only a small amount of water.)

The aroma I detect is of a salty seaside barn, lightly clean smoke, and a bit of leather. There's a touch of sweet fruitiness, almost like apple slices cut in half. The first few moments hit you with a warm spicy sweetness and a much more pronounced smokiness, but that quickly gives way to a sweet lingering spicy heat on the tongue. To me, it has some character; there's a lot happening here, like different chapters in a good book. Distinct taste chapters with a lasting conclusion that remains long after the story is finished. An interesting taste experience, worth trying.

The nose is quite pleasant and intricate. Strong chemical notes suggesting caramel, BBQ smoke, and a whisper of maple syrup. The initial taste evokes Lagavulin 16 with its medicinal, leathery quality. It's an exceedingly smooth spirit that's gentle on the throat while creating a tingling sensation on the tongue. The finish and mouthfeel are beautiful, leaving a sweet, sugary coating in your mouth, akin to the aftertaste of a sweet cigar. An easy 5 out of 5!