The Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt, produced on the world-famous
whisky producing island, Isle of Islay, has been awarded gold at the 2013
International Wine and Spirits Competition held in London. Applauded by the
judges for its “delicate floral, dark sugar, caramel and coffee flavours with
tremendous seaside character” they christened this 25 year old as “a gorgeous
gentle giant”.
It is best to enjoy this warm and welcoming single malt neat or with a
dash of water to really savour its wonderful combination of flavours. The
Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt has been matured in predominantly
ex-bourbon casks with a small percentage of ex-sherry casks used.
Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain’s (pronounced
Bū-na-ha-venn) single malts are crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure
spring water piped from the Margadale River, untainted by the peaty moorlands,
and for this reason, the whiskies are known as the gentle taste of Islay.
The Bunnahabhain 12, 18 and 25 year old single malts,
crafted by Ian MacMillan, are all un-chillfiltered, returning to the
whisky-making tradition of Bunnahabhain’s distillers many years ago. With
nothing taken away or added, the whisky retains all of its depth of flavour,
aromas, colours and character. This allows the gentle, subtle notes of the malt
to come through, providing a purer taste, nose and appearance.
The distillery, dating back to 1881, is situated on the north-eastern
tip of Islay overlooking the Sound of Islay. Due to the close proximity of the
warehouses to the sea where the casks are stored during the maturation process,
a noticeable sea influence is evident in the finish.
The whisky is available at most fine liquor outlets and retails for
about R2 390.
