Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair

From its location on the shores of the Sound of Islay, with views over to the Isle of Jura, the Bunnahabhain Distillery sits proudly. And so it should, because the distillery has grown from strength to strength over the last couple of decades. Their signature unpeated spirit sets them apart from the heavily-peated powerhouse whiskies from the south of the island, although they have proved more than worthy opponents in the peated market with their Mòine bottlings.

Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair, (pronounced stew-rahdur and meaning helmsman in Gaelic) is firmly positioned in the affordable whisky section, with a current UK price hovering around the £30 mark but often on offer as low as £25. However, as is often the case, price isn't always a good indicator of quality and there are some excellent whiskies out there that won't break the bank.

Created from a blend of first and second fill sherry casks of various ages and warehouse locations. Bottled at a healthy 46.3%,  no age statement, natural colour and non-chill filtered.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold, beads quickly falling as thin legs.

Nose: Unmistakeable sherry notes, vanilla, dried fruit, caramel.

Palate: Creamy caramel, the dried fruit influence from the Sherry casks ever present and providing depth, vanilla, hints of nuttiness, and light spice. There’s also a hint of brine, giving a nod to the coastal location of the distillery.

Finish: Long, dried fruit, nuts and candied peel linger on the palate.

Summary: Although it's not a sherry bomb, the typical notes are still very much in evidence. The whisky definitely benefits from the abv of 46.3%, and no doubt the absence of chill filtration also contributes to the creamy mouthfeel.

Overall, there is more than enough in this whisky to keep the vast majority happy, and at this price point is one of those everyday malts that will occupy a spot in many a whisky cabinet.

If you would like more information on this whisky, the distillery or any of the other Bunnahabhain whiskies, follow the link to the company website.