Bunnahabhain Toiteach

Fridays can't arrive soon enough. The start of the weekend means some enjoyable sipping. Bunnahabhain is one of those underappreciated Scotches that often gets overlooked. This sample came my way as a courtesy from a friend as a bonus sample in our SDT. I had tried this about four years ago, and it was quite good then. Will I have the same experience today? Has it changed? Have I changed (for the better, naturally). The color is a light gold, suggesting it's natural color. The aroma begins with a salty, briny, and lightly earthy peatiness. In my younger days, I used to ride 12-speed bikes and perform maintenance and adjustments. A whiff of this brings me back in time to the smell of a fresh inner tube coated with baby powder (from when I replaced or repaired the inner tube). There's also a subtle sweetness that comes through, such as vanilla, apricots, and grilled pineapples. Some walnuts and oak are hidden deep within. A mild aroma gives way to strong peat and char. A pleasant Islay earthiness in an oily, medium-bodied spirit. It quickly becomes intense. The intensity then yields to black pepper spice and a touch of sugary sweetness. Vanilla and some lemon zest become more prominent towards the finish. The finish is initially peppery and spicy. As that subsides, the long, tarry, ashy flavors coat the palate, ultimately leaving behind some bitterness and drying oak tannins. This is a solid, peaty dram that lacks complexity and depth compared to Islay standards. An easy-drinking peaty spirit. At $70 and above, I can find more flavor and complexity with a Laphroaig or Ardbeg at two-thirds the price. Overall, quite enjoyable. [86/100][Tasted: 2/1/19]

A no-age-statement Bunnahabhain with a smoky profile, provided as a bonus sample by a fellow member of our tasting group. This expression is part of a Bunnahabhain line that many people find difficult to pronounce. The Gaelic word 'Toiteach,' meaning smoky, is the inspiration for its name. It comes in at a substantial 46% alcohol by volume. The liquid presents as a pale gold, has an oily consistency, and leaves minimal trails in the glass. Large beads form gradually on the rim as it rests after swirling. The aroma is dominated by intense smoke, damp earth, and the brininess of sea air. I detect no sugary notes or influences from the casks. They certainly captured the essence of the name. On the palate, the taste mirrors the aroma: grilled, rich meats seasoned liberally with coarse salt and ground pepper. The texture is moderately viscous, which fortunately permits a touch of dark chocolate bitterness to emerge, adding complexity to the flavor profile. This element is the drink's saving feature, in my opinion, as the conclusion revisits salty and smoked meats. The lingering finish makes this mid-palate chocolate note quite appreciated. It prevents the dram from being solely a one-dimensional smoke experience. As it stands, it offers considerable enjoyment for anyone who appreciates peated whiskies from Islay. I believe Bunnahabhain could win over those who dislike no-age-statement spirits. I've sampled a few from them recently, and they have all been executed very well. I have a couple more of their NAS bottles on hand, and I'm tempted to try them all to see if I can strengthen that assertion. This one earns a strong four-star rating. Much appreciation to the individual who shared this with the group. Excellent quality. Enjoy.

Based on my experience with Bunnahabhain 12, this distillery might be one of Islay's overlooked treasures. Their standard 12-year is unpeated, while this Toiteach offers a peated alternative. I'm hopeful this will satisfy, and that Bunna isn't just a fleeting success. Nose: Moderate peat smoke, brine, seaweed, and sea salt. Red pepper, black bean chili. Ash, bandaid, and a hint of iodine. Some soft notes of honey and toffee are present behind the more intense ones that emerge from the glass. Caramel and a strong butterscotch note. Heavy notes of dark chocolate and vanilla as it begins to open up. Palate: More of the coastal and peat characteristics. Brine and sea salt. There are now some additional earthy peat notes, more ash, and some rubber. Some smoked meat/brisket notes. Black bean, red pepper chili adds a nice warmth. Heavy butterscotch and peanut butter. Sugar cookie. Vanilla and caramel. Cinnamon and white pepper. Finish: A mix of briny and earthy peat and smoke. Red pepper, black bean chili. Caramel, vanilla, sugar cookie, malt, and toffee. Cinnamon and black pepper. Moderate length. Solid. Across the board. Good nose, good palate, good finish. Respectable ABV. I appreciate the non-chill filtering. Excellent balance between coastal and earthy peat. At $70, this is precisely its correct price point—no more, no less. It’s an unusual one. It doesn't excel in any single area, but simultaneously meets all expectations. Bunnahabhain, as a distillery, appears capable. I will definitely explore further. 4/5, even.

Another from the bonus samples. Toiteach, pronounced...Gaelicly I’m sure, means smoky in Gaelic. Bottled at 46% ABV, this NAS single malt is non chill filtered and I believe it is a natural color of yellow gold. The nose is thick with lemony citrus. Grilled plums, pineapple, peaches and apricots...all covered in salt, set ablaze and put out with a fist full of dirt. Plenty of peat smoke, earthy and brine. Rubbery notes like tennis balls. A little pepper and some floral notes with a subtle roasted nut aroma. It’s young and not very complex but it’s good The palate is heavy with smoke, burnt peat and charred fruits. Ashes, rubber, medicinal/bandages. Earthy with a little dry grass. Again, not complex at all but done very well. A medium light bodied mouthfeel that is super oily and mouthwatering. For an Islay it has a somewhat short finish. Smoke, ashes, light fruits and florals and a touch of bitter tannins. The smoke does linger quite a while. Really there is little going on here, but it’s still quite good. The mouthfeel is great, not the best I’ve ever had but still worth noting. The nose is robust. It’s straight forward with no fancy finish, but this Bunnahabhain stands on its own merits. At around $70 it’s not the best value for a NAS but the quality is there. I’m giving a 3.75 but it could be a 4. Thanks for the sample from a friend Cheers

I'm a huge admirer of Bunna 12 and smoky Scotches, so this peated malt was an obvious choice. Specs were on sale for $59.99!! It's NAS but still contains no added coloring and is un-chillfiltered. Poured neat, the nose offers BBQ smoke and peat with malt, honey, and a graham cracker sweetness. It's smooth yet incredibly profound, mellow, and rich. You can inhale deeply without any ethanol interference. I pass the Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, TX daily, and this reminds me of the aroma from their smokers wafting towards the road. The oily mouthfeel delivers layers of dense flavor. Intense smoky brisket, sweet heavy malt, mild pepper, birch wood, raw honey, vanilla pudding skin, and a dusty note in the background. It carries some warmth, but the depth of flavor here is well worth it (I might experience euphoria while drinking this). The finish is a long, lingering blend of sweet, very smoky malt, vanilla, honey, and dried charred wood. It lacks the dark fruit notes found in Bunna 12. Its profile is reminiscent of a combination of Bruichladdich Classic, one of my favorite Scotches, and Ardbeg 10, with abundant luscious smoke. If you enjoy smoky spirits, you must try this. The BBQ smoke and honey sweetness are intoxicating........91/100.......It's expensive, but I will have to purchase it again (I'll try to make this bottle last).

A welcome surprise! The aftertaste of this one was more enjoyable than the Ceobanach, despite being twenty bucks cheaper. The initial aroma is reminiscent of Caol Ila 12, with prominent peat. It's smokier than the Ceobanach too. You'll find maritime scents like sea spray, alongside lemon curd, dark chocolate, and vanilla. The palate offers little fruit beyond lemon, but delivers more smoke, vanilla, a hint of TCP, cream, barley, frosting, cake batter, and malt. It has a medium finish and leaves a heavy coating in the mouth. It's a breakfast dram, much like a Lagavulin 8. A solid 3.5 rating. The theme should also be smoky, perhaps something like "The Doomed" by A Perfect Circle.