Bunnahabhain 12

One world many Malts! Welcome all whisky lovers to my blog. This is SingleMaltLives where I review single malts one bottle at a time, some names I can barely pronounce like this one Bunnahabain 12 which I am reviewing today.Recently I had been sidetracked by reviewing other spirits but now I have refocused on the core domain of Single Malts. This is possible due to small samples available so I can try it for a fraction of the price of a regular bottle. Had got some samplers which I will be sharing in today & in upcoming posts. 

Named after the river Bunnahabhain & completely new to me , it will be exciting to see what surprise this little bottle has inside. Enjoy my tasting notes & some legacy behind this bottle. According to it's website, Bunnahabhain 12 which means "Mouth of the River" in Gaelic, was first launched in 1979. It is double matured in Ex Bourbon & Sherry casks which gives its unique and distinctive flavor.

I noticed recently that the samplers I bought all had 46.3% ABV so I am curious to find out if it is a coincidence or something else. Nothing in my research suggests why it is so. If you know then let me know in the comments below. 

Vital Stats- Bunnahabhain 12 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Price- $55.49 for 750ml bottle($4.99 for 50ml sampler pictured)

Age- 12 years 

ABV- 46.3%

Region- Speyside

Distillery- Bunnahabhain Distillery,Distell Groups Ltd,Scotland

Awards won- 2016 Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glenacairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- With diet coke(No way just kidding :-) , you know how I like it....Neat

Appearance- Russet Gold

Aroma- Faint peat smoke,oak, citrus, vanilla, cinnamon

Flavor- Smokey peat, rich & robust oak with lingering sensation of pepper.

Body- Full

Finish- Smooth, long warm & lingering

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

Just what I expected, my instincts were correct. A very well balanced scotch whisky. It is very hard to find a 12 year old whisky with so much flavor & complexity.Tasty, flavorful & just the right amount of smokiness that complements the other flavors & aroma. Loved it. Overall, it is an easy to drink lightly peated whisky good for people new to scotch and seasoned single malt drinkers alike. 

Occasions- For sipping in all occasions

Cocktails- None, enjoy neat or on the rocks.

Food Pairings- Pork momos.Why? Because the rich robust flavor complements the fatty pork momo. It is made for each other. 

SJ's Pro tip- Great gift for smokey whisky lovers

I simply enjoyed the taste of this golden liquid. So smooth and easy to drink even at a higher ABV. Check it out for yourselves and let me know in the comments below. 

Cheers! Enjoy responsibly & stay safe. 

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