Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

A different kind of Islay Scotch.
 
Bunnahabhain distillery was constructed in 1881 by the Greenlees brothers, and first opened its doors in 1883. It's located on the island of Islay, with 11 employees and four massive stills – among the biggest in the industry, alongside Glenmorangie.
 
Recently re-released with new packaging to signify the distillery’s move to un-chilfiltered Whiskies, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is a lightly smoked malt. Somewhat untypical of other Islay products, this is a delicate expression of the characteristic peated smoke that is normally found in Islay Whiskies. 
 
Not only is there that light smokiness, but the Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old also has a fruity sweetness that combines with a subtle vanilla undertone. There is also a beautiful tang of sea air, a homage to the rough rocky shores that surround this malts coastal home. All in all the Bunnhabhain 12 Year Old is an exploration in softer smoke tones and has a great variety of flavours to complement this.
 
It will appeal to peat veterans as an interesting exploration, while those new to peat will welcome it openly and happily. Cheers!