Bunnahabhain Day 2026 with a hint of White Port
The last time we tasted Bunnahabhain, it was rumoured that this 50 years old was made at that Islay distillery. Today, for our Feis Ile special, we take a closer look at a proprietary bottling released by Bunnahabhain not so long ago. I would almost sigh: finally an unpeated Bunna again! The distillery was famously known for being one of the two that has a substantial amount of the production as unpeated, together with Bruichladdich. But the amount of peated production has increased a lot, and moreover, the result is met with considerable enthusiasm. The Stoaisha variant of Bunnahabhain is indeed a delightful peated monster. But the purist, like me probably, still has a soft spot for the more gentle side of Bunnahabhain, which we will taste today.
Bunnahabhain 15 years old, An Cuan Garbh No. 1, bottled at 51,6 % abv
First things first: Part of the Westering Home Collection 2026, this Bunnahabhain was finished in White Port. The Gaelic name refers to the rough sea, which I have actually never witnessed at the distillery. Always a pleasure to visit, which I highly recommend.
Upon Sipping: Opens on a pleasant hint of vinegar, before turning to a more almond style of character. Warm bread, with raisins and apricot, with a few sour grapes to the side. A very well-composed and contained nose. Just a whiff of sea air, making this distinctly Bunna! On the tongue, thick and creamy, with the white port very talkative. The almond is strong, and the luscious grapes do their work. Excellent balance, with a rather toothless finish, which is perhaps a pity, but befitting the overall style of this Bunnahabhain An Cuan Garbh. It is really like having a fruit compote in the mouth. Very rich and rewarding.
With water the nose gains an even more maritime character. Wood dried in sea air. Some citrus notes. On the tongue, more bitterish impressions now, but finally some more gritty punch on the finish, like it has become a bit more raw and rough. Some minerals make an appearance, which is not really what I expect to find in a Bunna, but very welcome. This might be the influence of the port.
Word to the Wise: An excellent Bunnahabhain An Cuan Garbh, that offers enough extra on the palate to warrant a separate release. A more maritime version of Bunnahabhain, if that is possible, and quite satisfactory. I do not often look at pricing on bottles, but I must say that with this one, the distillery might have been a tad too ambitious. Hope to see that corrected.
Score: 86 points.