Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

$124.00
Overview

Most Islay whisky comes loaded with smoke. Bunnahabhain 12 doesn't. It's one of the only unpeated whiskies on the island, built around big sherry cask flavour instead — dried fruit, nuts, and a touch of sea salt on the finish. Matured for 12 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks on the Sound of Islay, it has earned Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and back-to-back Gold at the International Spirits Challenge. A solid step up if you're after something different from the usual smoky Islay pour.

Product Details
Attribute Detail
Brand Bunnahabhain Distillery
Producer Bunnahabhain Distillery
Country / Region Scotland, Isle of Islay
Style Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Unpeated Islay)
Mash Bill 100% Malted Barley
Age Statement 12 Years
ABV 46.3%
Cask Type Ex-Bourbon and Sherry Casks
Bottle Size 700ml
Release Type Core Range
Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet and fruity — blackcurrant jam, vanilla, cloves, and a hint of sea spray.

Palate: Rich sherry and roasted nuts, sweet malt and sultanas, with warming spice leading into velvety caramel.

Finish: Long, rich, and full-bodied, with a lingering spray of sea salt.

What sets this bottle apart
  • One of the only unpeated whiskies on Islay — no smoke, just flavour
  • Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks for a rich, well-rounded profile
  • Non-chill filtered and natural colour — nothing added
  • Produced on the tallest stills on Islay, yielding a lighter, cleaner spirit
  • Double Gold and Gold medal winner across major international competitions
Distillery Information

Bunnahabhain sits on the Sound of Islay, the most northerly distillery on the island and once only reachable by boat. These days there's a single-track road in, but it's still a bit of a mission to get there. The distillery runs pear-shaped stills with the tallest, longest necks on Islay, which strips out the heavier compounds and leaves a lighter spirit behind. By skipping the peat that everyone else on Islay leans on, Bunnahabhain produces a whisky that stands apart from the pack.

Awards & Recognition

  • Double Gold — San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026
  • Gold — International Spirits Challenge 2025
  • Gold — International Spirits Challenge 2024

Who this bottle is for
  • Whisky drinkers who want Islay character without the smoke
  • Sherry cask fans after something rich and fruity
  • Anyone upgrading from a standard blend to a proper single malt
  • Bourbon and rye drinkers curious about Scotch
How to enjoy

  • Best enjoyed neat to appreciate the full sherry cask character
  • A small splash of water opens up the sherry and spice
  • An ideal sipping whisky for a slow night in

Why we curate it

Bunnahabhain 12 is proof that Islay isn't just about smoke. It's rich, sherried, and easy to drink, with just enough coastal character to keep things interesting. A solid step up from your usual shelf bottle, and one worth having on hand.