Bunnahabhain 12 Year

Bon mais ne vaut pas le toietech

Nose: oak, raisins, figs, orange pith, chai spices, herbal tea, tobacco, vanilla, chocolate Palate: spicy, orange, brine Finish: mild smoke

Neat. Sample. Excited to try this. Oddly the only Bunnahabhain I have had is a 30 year that came as the Christmas pour in an advent calendar. The nose is sparking all types of memories. Immediately I think of a restaurant down the street that sells these salty soft pretzels with this decadent caramel sauce. I get that entire plate in this glass. The salt and soft pretzel are more forward but then caramel is resting right behind it. It may be a bit lighter though like a butterscotch but definitely triggered some good memories. Hint of raisin. New car leather. Hint of chocolate too. It is a fun nose. I think I could sit here and pick it apart for a bit and keep coming up with stuff. It’s just a little different at every angle. Light on the tongue, but a decent amount of oil rolls off the tongue and coats the mouth and gums. The salt is the main characteristic up front. Gosh it even tastes like those soft pretzels with the caramel sauce. Just like the pretzels the salt hits you first and last on each sip. Mmm that sherry is coming through strong on the back end and on the finish, that is really nice. There is a slight hint of apricot. Getting the chocolate now too. Gosh, I like this. It’s delicious, approachable, light but with a surprisingly long and delightful finish. That sherry is just hanging around. I forgot I was being sent a sample of this and actually found a bottle today too. Quite happy I like this so much.

It's god damn amazing.

Fairly solid whiskey, no major weaknesses. Good balance between sherry and bourbon casks for an overall sweet and fruity profile. Good amount of alcohol as well. Very very light on the peat and smoke, unusual for Islay, and I had hoped for a little bit more to at least be noticeable. Good amount of nutty flavor alongside the dried fruits. Lingers a long time in your mouth.