Contents
Bunnahaven is a single malt whiskey with a mild flavor. The plant is located on the Isle of Islay, the center of alcohol production in Scotland. The name Bunnahabhain is Gaelic for “mouth of the river”. The rights to the brand belong to the South African alcohol holding Distell Group Limited.
Historical information
The history of the company began in 1879, when the owner of a small distillery, William Robertson, teamed up with the Greenlees brothers to create the Islay Distillery Company. Four years later, a new whiskey distillery opened near the Margadale River. The place was chosen because of the large number of clean water sources, rich peat deposits and the availability of sea transport routes.
In the 30s, the company did not work for seven years, but then production was started again. The brand gradually gained popularity, and in the early 60s the company doubled its capacity. In 1979, the company introduced the first 12-year-old whiskey, which has been a success ever since. In 2003, the brand was bought out by Burn Stewart Distillers, and three years later, a complete rebranding of products was carried out. In 2013, the rights to the brand were transferred to the South African corporation Distell Group Limited.
Production features
Bunnahabhain is a classic Scotch whiskey that is made without cold filtration and colorings. The company is the only one on the island of Islay that uses water from a mountain spring. Two types of barley are used in production – ordinary and fumigated with peat. The malt is ground and kneaded with hot spring water.
The wort is boiled in a mash tun with a copper lid, designed for 12,5 tons of the mixture. Fermentation takes place in six containers made of Oregon pine, fermentation lasts up to 100 hours. The distillation facilities at the distillery are among the tallest in Scotland. The resulting spirits are diluted with water to the desired strength and poured into barrels of sherry, bourbon and red wine, after which the containers are delivered to warehouses, where they are stored until the whiskey is fully matured.
Awards
San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016, San Francisco – three gold medals;
IWSC 2016, London – silver medal;
International Spirits Challenge 2016, London – gold and silver medals.
The Spirits Business, Лондон:
- 2017 – gold medal;
- 2018 – silver medal.
Interesting Facts
A varied excursion program is organized at the plant. Guests of the enterprise can visit warehouses, get acquainted with the intricacies of whiskey production in the workshops, or choose a tour with a tasting of drinks that are poured directly from barrels.
At the beginning of 2019, a large-scale reconstruction began at the distillery. The company’s plans include renovation and expansion of production facilities, as well as the creation of a large tourist center, where many cafes and shops will be located along the coastline.
Types of whiskey Bunnahaven
The company produces 23 types of whiskey with different aging periods. The oldest of them is 46 years old.
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, 46,3%
Whiskey was first released in 1979. The drink is double-aged in bourbon and sherry casks. The aroma combines the smells of flowers and dried fruits with light smoky undertones. The flavor range combines nut-fruit and vanilla-caramel tones.
Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old, 43%
The most titled whiskey in the line, awarded many gold awards. The drink is aged in sherry casks, where it acquires the color of mahogany. The aromatic bouquet combines the smells of honey, nuts and spices. On the palate there are hints of dried fruit, wood and sea salt. Spices are felt at the finish.
Director’s Base, 46,3%
The name in translation from the Gaelic language means “helmsman”. A strong drink is aged in barrels from two types of sherry. Whiskey amber color with the aroma of dried fruit and creamy caramel. On the creamy palate, hints of spices, nuts and sea salt stand out with fruity notes on the finish.
Smokey Bases Two, 46,3%
For this whiskey, the manufacturer uses a combination of oak sherry and bourbon casks. The aroma contains shades of sherry and wood with pronounced smoky notes. Fruity sweetness and spicy peppery notes are balanced on the palate. The finish is long and rich.
