Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old (Adelphi)

Many whiskylovers, myself included, have a hard time pronouncing the Gaelic name of this dram. However, once you've heard it spoken properly, it's not that hard. Bunnahabhain is pronounced 'Boon-a-havn'. It means 'mouth of the river'.

The distillery lies on the northern shores of Islay at a place that is called 'Sound of Islay', far north from it's more famous brothers in arms Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig. That distance is almost methaporical, as they are also far apart taste-wise.

Bunnahabhain is known to be the 'soft' Islay whisky, normally peated at 3 ppm (especially for the blends Famous Grouse and Black Bottle, of which Bunnahabhain is the core).

The nose is light and fresh, with honey, caramel and a tad of peat. After a while, more aromas like fruits and leather are discernable. Very soft and appetising. Ideal for a novice like myself.

The first sip is somewhat salty, but then the dram evolves into sweetness, lightly peated and with some chestnut.

The medium lenght, lightly salted finish reveals apples and caramel.

For my first introduction to Bunnahabhain, this went very well indeed.

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