Bunnahabhain 18 Year

Great whisky. Took a bit to get into it but once I tasted against Glendronach 21, Glen Balcalta and others I really rate this. An Islay style Springbank 18 I'd equate it to - not the same flavour exactly but has that oiliness, dry finish and something I can't place my finger on. Came 1st on the night out of several whiskeys we tried. Have an unopened bottle at home so will be interested to see once opened how this one develops. Update. 3 years later I finally opened the bottle for a whiskey tasting with friends. That turned into a bit of a blur with 10 different whiskies tried but now with just 2 others to compare to it definitely needs a rating upgrade. 4.25 is my thinking. Rich lightly smoked cherry flavoured sherry, nice abv balance. At the current price I wouldn't get another bottle as there is better value propositions out there but don't regret buying the bottle. Update Jan 2020: This is one of the rare bottles which for me gets better and better with time open. It mellows whilst also rounding out further. 4.5

Westering home and a song in the air... What a craft presentation of an unpeated Islay single malt with a lovely natural color in the glass! The nose is elegant and amazingly complex with old leather, gentle spices and Mon Chéri confectionery. Notes of walnuts, orange peel and raisins disguise distant hints of brine. Intensely aromatic and yet well-balanced on the palate, you get distinct wood spices, stewed tea and dried fruits with honey, leading into the lasting, warming and peppery bitter finish. Bunnahabhain 18 is a high-class all-rounder, even without peat! RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]

Lightly peated, very nice fruity aroma. Some oak, sweet fruits, toffee, citrus and a touch of salt. Very nice full body