2008 12y

About

Bunnahabhain means 'mouth of the river'—a name rooted in the distillery's 1881 founding on Islay's coast. This 2008 vintage, aged 12 years, represents a rare expression of Bunnahabhain's unpeated character, matured in Manzanilla casks that impart a briny, wine-forward profile distinctly at odds with typical Islay smoke. Bottled at cask strength (53.8%), this release captures the full intensity of Manzanilla seasoning. The whisky is weighty and rich, with a pronounced salinity threading through roasted nuts, date syrup, and dried fruit. There's no delicacy here—texture dominates, backed by a mineral grip that sets it apart from the distillery's standard bourbon-sherry house style. On the palate, winey fruitiness mingles with white pepper, nutmeg, and blackberry, before a savoury salted caramel finish takes hold. This is a whisky for those drawn to structure and mineral edge, not sweetness.

Flavour Profile