Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Whisky Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Country Scotland
Region Islay
Type Single Malt
Age 12 years old
Abv 46.3%
Rating 83/100
Reviews of Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
says on August 2, 2023
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 78/100
Finish strength: Medium
Color: Tawny

General description

Doesn't steer as well into the harbour as the Stiuireadair for me....

Nose

Bunnahabhain seems to lag behind Bowmore, Bruichladdich and Lagavulin when it comes to Islay, but my previous experience of the Stiuireadair was excellent. So, the nose… Sherry, smoke, a bit of spice to follow, caramel and sweetness. There’s just a whiff of sulphur perhaps, but quite faint that just gets in the way a little. I may be wrong… My experience of sulphur from the sherry butts, recently, has been that as the glass warms, the sulphur leaves, and this appears to be the case here. Good. Fruit arrives too, later, but gently, maybe like calamondin peel, with a little sweetness.

Palate

Some spice, an almost leather to tobacco moment, and then salty, retuning to calamondin peel and skin, then maybe even some chocolate with peppers though it. The nose has improved with more time in the glass, incidentally, and the fruit flavours have become more juicy, heading to raisin with the spice sharper, much sharper. The sherry appears again, and it’s clear that this one has spent a considerable time in the sherry butts. I don’t get peatiness at all so far…

Finish

Medium-long, with the spice beginning to dry out towards cinnamon right at the end, with a little salt remaining. The fruit all but goes and the flavour profile has narrowed considerably in the finish, without much of the whisky’s character remaining. Overall, this is a good experience, however, it is not in the league of the Stiuireadair at this juncture…

says on October 8, 2022
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 87/100
Finish strength: Short
Color: Gin clear

General description

One of the best 12 years I’ve tried. Better than many 18-21 year scotches I’ve tried. Lovely complexity. Will buy again.

says on July 8, 2022
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 88/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

sweet , fruity, choclate

says on April 29, 2022
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 87/100
Finish strength: Long
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

Uno de los mejores 12 años que he probado. Sherry en perfecta sintonía con el bourbon cask. Sedoso, impregna todo el velo del paladar un trago dulce y largo con el picante Justo.

Nose

Sherry, sultanas, algo de umbría marítima, vainilla, crema pastelera, algo de Brandy, como un crepe flambeado con vino dulce. Se nota denso pero equilibrado.

Palate

El trago es cálido pero nada alcoholico. El paladar se impregna de dulzura de dátiles, pasas y frutas oscuras, un toque salino que realza más el dulzor. Galletas de canela, vainilla, clavo. Algo de chocolate negro con pasas. Este trago es un poema

Finish

El final es largo y permanece el picor y el dulzor como un ligero hormigueo en lengua y paladar que lo deja a uno con ganas de más. La boca saliva y me pide acompañarlo con algo de chocolates negros con fritos secos. Impresionante whisky

says on April 8, 2022
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 81/100
Finish strength: Short
Color: Gin clear

General description

46 40 айла ? Это точно айла? Ничего морского и даже почти ничего дымного. Запах скорее цветочный, потом взрыв вкуса и уход в сторону приятной полынной горчинки, чёрного молотого перца. Да оригинально, да хорошо пьется, но интенсивности не хватает. Кремовость присутствует. Для 12 довольно мягкий, но восторгов не понимаю. Поставил 81 , но редбрест может с ним потягаться.

says on January 2, 2022
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 91/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

A favourite, all round great whisky

says on July 15, 2021
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 83/100
Color: Deep gold

General description

nose: toffee, nuts, oh so good
pallet: bitter up front followed by orange peel
finish: dark chocolate, medium length

says on May 15, 2021
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 85/100
Color: Old gold

General description

Maritime, malt, raisins, orange zest, floral, almonds, vanilla, caramel, oak, cereal, red dates, dried figs, medicinal, iodine, honey, herbal, ginseng, ash, mint, smoke

says on February 4, 2021
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 51/100
Color: Auburn, Polished Mahogany

General description

An Islay with quite the burn.

says on October 29, 2020
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 84/100
Color: Tawny

General description

smoke and honey on the nose. some oil on the front but finishes with honey, some fruit and floral one the back end. A very excellent undercover scotch from islay.

says on September 21, 2020
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 92/100
Finish strength: Short
Color: Gin clear

General description

Wauw. Erg volle smaak veel lagen. Nice

says on September 12, 2020
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 84/100
Color: Yellow gold

General description

on nose: sherry, raisins, salt, caramel, maritime notes
on taste: sherry, dried apricot, salty and spicy, very light smoke
on finish: medium, sweet, spicy, tobacco, oak

says on August 12, 2020
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

mild, caramel

says on April 28, 2020
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 87/100
Finish strength: Long
Color: Auburn, Polished Mahogany

General description

A high-integrity islay scotch. Mild smoke, complex sherry monster.

Nose

sweet, red stone fruit, mild smoke, coffee, oily, slighty perfumed, tropical fruit, sultana raisin, ripe mango

Palate

arrival is dry, bitter gets more BN intensely bitter right through to the finish. strong wood influence, delicate and complex. pea re s vajilla, sultana, ginger

Finish

peppery, sweet and bitter woody drying. A bit of a bruiser but I love it!

says on February 8, 2020
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 84/100
Finish strength: Long
Color: Chestnutoloroso sherry

General description

Very smooth with the evident sherry taste.

says on January 14, 2020
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

Das ist ein sehr guter Whisky mit Sherry, Malz, Honig, Zitrusfrüchte, leicht floral und leicht nach Rauch riechender und schmeckender Whisky. Zum drüberstreuen noch eine Briese vom Meer. Für mich sehr gelungen und überraschend intensive.

says on December 20, 2019
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 65/100
Color: Deep gold

General description

I dont think it is bad, but I generally dont like kind of whisky. It has kind of interesting end, but smell and taste is strange to me. Worst Islay destinnery.

says on November 17, 2019
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 73/100
Finish strength: Short
Color: Yellow gold

General description

light body

says on September 22, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

.

says on September 9, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 86/100
Finish strength: Long
Color: Tawny

General description

Strong caramel and pepper tasting note, solid finish. The traditional Islay notes come out with a bit of water.

Nose

Caramel

Palate

Sherry, pepper, caramel. Sea salt can be discerned after a bit of water is added.

Finish

Brandy, leather

says on July 31, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 87/100
Color: Burnished

General description

so this was a lovely experience...
Sherry, vanilla, spicy caramel, tobacco, peat, salt and warm feeling when I taste this

says on July 7, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 84/100
Color: Deep gold

General description

Toll! Frisch. passt gut zum sommer. zitrus, Frucht.

says on June 29, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Color: Old gold

General description

Good nose, very smooth, strong vanilla and honey. Very slight spice in after-taste. Great value

says on May 5, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 78/100
Color: Deep copper

General description

strong, would have expected more peat for an Islay, I smell berries but I'm a little bit disappointed to be honest...

says on April 8, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 85/100
Color: Deep gold

General description

Fragrant nose, fruity, honey, hint of plastic. Vanilla and caramel on the palate. Thick and tongue coating. Long finish of flowers and very slight hint of smoke.

says on April 7, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 82/100
Color: Chestnutoloroso sherry

General description

Smooth and sweet. Caramelly taste.

says on March 21, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 83/100
Color: Amber

General description

Nose: Sherry, caramel, salt, toffee.
Mouth: Oily, caramel, creamy, little salt.
Finish: Short, oak spice. Dry.

says on March 14, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 75/100
Color: Burnished

General description

This is a very tasty dram. Warming, rich a small amount of sherry with subtle hints of smoke.

says on March 2, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 88/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

Real good

says on March 1, 2019
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 80/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

+

says on February 10, 2019
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 70/100
Color: Chestnutoloroso sherry

General description

good as far as islays go but not a fa of the taste profile

says on January 20, 2019
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 84/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

real good

says on December 21, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 82/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

nice with a slight rum flavour

says on December 12, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 95/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

one of the best whiskies on the planet. Salted caramel, creme brulee, toasted marshmellow, vanilla and salt, a tiny touch of peat smoke. drink it all day long

says on November 21, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 90/100
Finish strength: Medium
Color: Auburn, Polished Mahogany

General description

Compare next to HP12

Nose

Dried fruit-prunes and raisins, chewy, orange zest

Palate

Vanilla with clove and allspice, creamy delicious

Finish

Spicy with pleasant heat.

says on November 18, 2018
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 75/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

nutty, raisins and herbs smell. distinct cellar stale air and moonshine notes too, but nicely composed.
in taste nuts, sweet leather. hint of pepper and spice. herbal and hoppy finish. it is good simple whisky. maybe too simple

says on November 4, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 85/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

Best Islay whisky I have tasted. Smokey but smooth.

says on October 29, 2018
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 70/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

Didn't particularly fancy the 46% alcohol which is on the high side and producing too fiery a taste.

says on October 16, 2018
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 79/100
Finish strength: Short
Color: Deep copper

General description

A lot of heat. Short finish. Not great. Think I might have a bad batch

Nose

Varnish

Palate

Pepper and heat. Subtle oak flavours

says on August 24, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 82/100
Finish strength: Medium
Color: Tawny

General description

Very nice dram with a fantastic, mysterious sherry nose that falls a bit behind on the palate. Altogether a great entry level Scotch.

Nose

Dark fruits with plums, black cherries, spicy with cinnamon, black pepper and nutmeg. Also a nice nuttyness. Very pleasing, sweet and ripe.

Palate

Spicy, adstringend and a bit watery (at least not very oily). Red fruits and malt. Little warm woodsmoke. Not as fullbodied and complex as the nose. Almonds and brown sugar. With longer stay in the mouth it becomes salty.

Finish

Intensive nutty aftertaste with a metallic bitterness but really nice.

says on August 4, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 90/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

Sweet, colourful, tasty, exelent. 90 is a lot maybe. But I really love this distillery and whisky.

says on June 18, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

Etwas Schärfe, schön ausgewogener Rauch, fruchtig.

says on May 25, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

touch of smoke, baby spike, quality. will try more of bunnas stuff

says on May 6, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 83/100
Color: Amontillado sherry

General description

Solid Scotch with balanced smoke and fruit flavor

says on April 28, 2018
Would you buy this again? No
Rating: 73/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

candle proeverij,
rokerig door cherryvaten, bijna lakritz

says on March 19, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

Medizinisch rauchiger sehr ausgewogener Whisky mit langem Abgang und toller Schärfe.

says on March 8, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 70/100
Color: Tawny

General description

a bit sweeter and smokey than I expected, has a hint of cherry and oak

says on February 16, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 82/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

expected more from bunna

says on February 14, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 80/100
Finish strength: Short
Color: Gin clear

General description

Very nice grainy malt with sufficient body and hints of spice

says on January 15, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 87/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

spicy fine taste

says on January 5, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 89/100
Color: Chestnutoloroso sherry

General description

A very intense Whisky with a bit of smoke and an explosion of taste. Sweet and long finish.

says on January 2, 2018
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 70/100
Color: Deep gold

General description

spicy notes on the nose easy smooth whisky with some floral aftertaste

says on December 28, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 88/100
Color: Deep copper

General description

always a good bottle.

says on December 23, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 81/100
Color: Russetmuscat

General description

boozy Sherry finish with faint smoke.

says on November 23, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 86/100
Color: Tawny

General description

Malty, sweet and intriguing on the nose. Some sherry influence in the background but not too complex. Opens up beautifully with a few drops of water. No smoke, but dried fruit and Christmas cake flavours make this one quite a pleasant dram.

says on September 30, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 88/100
Finish strength: Long
Color: Gin clear

General description

Very fine whisky. Malty/smoky smell at first, sherry as well. Smoky in the taste, but very worthy and smooth finish.

Nose

sherry, smoke, malt

Palate

smoke, malt

Finish

smooth

says on September 8, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 82/100
Color: Tawny

General description

Nice colour, dark amberly. Smooth, round taste with small herbs. Little peated in the finish.

says on May 28, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 85/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

lovely fruity (dark berries) with some wood and a hint of medicinal flavour in the back with a nice warm medium long finish. a very decent allrounder that can be enjoyed by the experienced malthead but also a perfect step up for those who tried the usual suspects, and are looking for more

says on March 28, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 90/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

Excellent Islay whisky, less peaty than a Laphroaig or Ardbeg, yet still recognizable as a product of my favorite region of Scotland. A subtle and complex blend of flavors that evokes the maritime nature of Islay, as befits the old sea captain who champions the brand.

says on February 5, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 86/100
Finish strength: Long
Color: Tawny

General description

Very nice,another falvor of islay.
less peaty and more another falvor.
Drink it will want to eat some food

says on February 2, 2017
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 75/100
Color: Gin clear

General description

Peat smoke and the taste of grass and herbs

says on October 28, 2016
Would you buy this again? Yes
Rating: 85/100
Color: Old gold

General description

Nice smooth, a little petey

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Flavour profile

  • Sherry
  • Sweet
  • Sulphur
  • Salt
  • Malt
  • Caramel
  • Spice
  • Sea
  • Fruit
  • Oak
  • Wood
  • Vanilla
  • Smoke
  • Bitter
  • Good
  • Floral
  • Coffee
  • Sugar
  • Orange
  • Medium finish
  • Honey
  • Delicate
  • Chocolate
  • Amber
  • Peat
Show more flavours

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