Deriving from the Gaelic for “mouth of the river”, Bunnahabhain was founded in 1881 by William Robertson and brothers James and William Greenless. A very smooth, easy-drinking Islay malt, Bunnahabhain (pronounced ˜BOO-na-HAven”) closed and reopened twice during the twentieth century and eventually production was limited to a mere few weeks annually following Edrington’s 1999 acquisition of previous owners Highland Distillers.
In 2003, Edrington sold Bunnahabhain to Burn Stewart Distilleries for £10 million. Included in this deal was the popular blend Black Bottle, whose contents feature a quantity of spirit from every distillery on Islay. Today, production stands at 2.5million litres a year. Of this, 21,000 casks are kept at the distillery for maturation and the resultant whisky will be used for the Black Bottle blend and for bottling as Bunnahabhain single malt. The rest of the outturn is sent for maturation elsewhere. In relative solitude, Bunnahabhain is the Northern-most Islay distillery. It sits in a large bay to the North East of the isle, drawing its water from the Margadale Spring.
Feis Ile 2023 Canasta
Launched as part of the annual whisky festival held on Islay each year, these limited editions are always some of our most popular releases. Celebrate the world of Bunnahabhain with these hand-crafted exquisite single malt whiskies.
The 2023 release is fully matured in rare Canasta sherry casks, its resting place was once home to skilfully blended sherries made from Palomino and Pedro Ximenez grapes. Canasta Casks are very classical in style, with the balance of Oloroso sherry imparting flavours of spice, and the Pedro Ximenez adding layers of complexity, richness & sweetness. The result is a distinctively special dram, fitting for the best of celebrations . So let’s raise a glass to friends near and far. Sláinte!
Tasting Notes
Nose: Classic sherried nose; sweet and caramelised fruits, honey roasted nuts, waves of cinnamon and clove with a hint of rancio.
Palate: Maple syrup leads with creamy vanilla, dried figs, poached pears and a sprinkle of cocoa. A gentle twist of orange appears in the background.
Finish: Long and sweet with notes of brown sugar, red apples and vanilla custard.
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