Bunnahabhain 11 Years (2018) - Gordon & MacPhail
The Bunnahabhain 2018, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, is a Scottish single malt from the Islay region. With its 11 years and an ABV of 43%, it presents itself as a gentle introduction for whisky newcomers, but also has some rough edges that make it interesting for experienced connoisseurs.
The panel
Mean 75.5 · spread 5
Value for money 2/5
- Distillery
- Bunnahabhain
- Bottler
- Gordon & MacPhail
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Isle of Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 11 years
- Strength
- 43% ABV
- Character
- mellow
Tasting
Nose
The nose is dominated by an enticing honey tea with ginger, reminiscent of a cozy tea time in winter. However, the first impression is deceptive: on the palate, a darker, oak-driven bitterness unfolds, mingling with roasted nuts and a hint of caramel. An unexpected note of dragon fruit adds a fruity accent that balances the gentle sweetness.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky initially presents itself as mild, but then the oak makes a strong entrance. The sweet notes of pineapple and peach are accompanied by a slight saltiness that recalls the coastal wind of Islay. A surprising hint of baking cocoa brings a chocolaty depth that lightens the fruity character.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and leaves a tingling sensation of oak that mingles with the freshness of orange peel. While the first impression is gentle and fruity, an unexpected bitterness reminiscent of a strong espresso emerges in the aftertaste. These contrasts make the finish interesting, but also somewhat challenging.
Verdicts
Marcel
The Bunnahabhain 2018 is a pleasant introduction for anyone looking to explore the world of whiskies. However, the unbalanced bitterness might deter some connoisseurs seeking a more harmonious experience.
Sascha
In taste, it is rough, although the nose promises gentle malt notes. For oak lovers, it is certainly an interesting drop, but the disharmony could be somewhat frustrating for others.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Bunnahabhain as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £149 across 360 lots · 2024-08