Bunnahabhain Mòine

this is a note for the current 46.3 Moine. Now i understand why it is that cheap on dutch websites. As some have already put it here, maybe Bunnahabhain should leave the peat to the real specialists on Islay. This is ok for 30€, but dont spend 60€ on MofM.

smoke, coal, orangettes. Some seabreeze. Peppery start with smokiness. creamy mounthfeel. A little alcoholic. Aftertaste of pear and more smokiness. Bit of licorice.

This review is for the re-release of the Moine NAS from Bunnahabhain. This re-issue comes in at 46.3% ABV and not the near cask strength 59%. This is a peated Bunna and is pale gold and oily in the Glencairn. It also makes some heavy, watery droplets and thick, runny legs in the glass. The nose is predominantly chimney smoke and ripe, green apples. There’s a funky, sugary syrup flavor mingling in as well, with some charred oak and salty air qualities. The palate is salty and smoky, with green apples and pears dominating the flavor profile. A hint of fudge appears mid sip. The finish is long, hot and somewhat harsh. There’s chili pepper spice and light menthol notes that linger around once the sip is complete. Overall, it definitely seems young, spirit wise and the flavors don’t seem to meld as well as I had hoped. The smoke notes are fine, but don’t hold a candle to other Islay malts (obviously). While I’m glad that Bunnahabhain makes a peated whisky from time to time, part of me wishes they’d just let the experts on Islay do it and do it right. As is, this is a 2.75-3 star dram and I payed around $70 for this bottle. Not super expensive, but not really a great deal for what’s in the bottle, either. Stick to the regular peat distillers on Islay. Cheers.