Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:08 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore my in-depth comparison between Bunnahabhain 12 and Bunnahabhain 18, unveiling their unique characteristics, and decide which Single Malt best suits your preferences!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Bunnahabhain 12 vs Bunnahabhain 18: Comparison
Bunnahabhain 12: A gentle Islay malt with a blend of light smoke, cocoa, and fruit. Creamy and smooth, it finishes with a nutty, oak spice. Ideal for those new to Islay Scotch.
Bunnahabhain 18: A complex Islay single malt, offering rich sherry, fruit, and subtle smoke. Evolves from fruity to spicy, with a long, warming finish. Appeals to enthusiasts seeking depth.
Verdict: Both Bunnahabhain 12 and Bunnahabhain 18 provide distinct Islay experiences without overwhelming peat. The 12 offers an approachable introduction, while the 18 caters to refined palates with its complexity and richness, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Islay’s Best Whiskies
Bunnahabhain 12: A Light and Approachable Islay Single Malt
- Nose: Light smoke, raisin, prune, cocoa
- Palate: Sherry, red fruit, oak spice
- Finish: Medium, nutty, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.3% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
Subtle Smoke & Sweetness: Bunnahabhain 12 presents a surprising profile. While you’ll find a subtle smokiness on the nose, it’s overshadowed by delicate notes of cocoa, prunes, and raisins.
Creamy & Smooth: The texture is delightful, offering a creamy and smooth mouthfeel.
Sweet & Spicy: The taste starts out predominantly sweet, featuring sherry and red fruit notes, but transitions to a finish with increasing oak spice that can bring a touch of bitterness.
Medium Finish: Expect a lingering finish with nutty undertones and more oak spice, potentially leading to a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Water Enhances: Adding a drop of water reveals caramel notes and subdues the oak spice, making for a more approachable and enjoyable experience.
Unique Islay: Unlike many Islay whiskies known for their heavy peatiness, Bunnahabhain 12 offers just a hint of smoke and leans toward a Speyside-like character due to its sherry cask aging.
Perfect for Beginners: This whisky is an excellent choice for those new to smoky Scotch, providing a remarkably easy-drinking introduction with a surprising lack of heavy smoke. Remember, adding a touch of water can further enhance its enjoyment.
Bunnahabhain 12 Facts:
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of 70% ex-bourbon and 30% ex-sherry casks.
- Crafted with natural color and unfiltered for an authentic taste.
- Produced by the Bunnahabhain Distillery, established in 1881 on Islay, Scotland.
Bunnahabhain 18: A Complex and Vibrant Islay Single Malt
- Nose: Sherry, raisin, nuts, dried fruit, oak
- Palate: Apple, pear, baking spice, chocolate, tobacco
- Finish: Long, dark fruit, leather, chocolate
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.3% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Highland Park 18
Rich & Inviting: Bunnahabhain 18 entices with a rich aroma of sherry, raisins, nuts, dried fruit, oak, and a subtle hint of smoke in the background.
Textured & Evolving: The palate starts smooth and evolves into a commanding presence, showcasing a fine texture.
From Fruit to Spice: The taste unfolds with delightful notes of apple and pear, transitioning to an interplay of baking spice, bitter chocolate, and tobacco. The baking spice gradually intensifies without overpowering other flavors.
Long & Warming Finish: The finish lingers with a pleasant warmth, offering hints of dark fruit, leather, and dark chocolate.
A Journey of Flavors: Bunnahabhain 18 delivers a vibrant and intense experience, showcasing remarkable depth without being overly sweet or smoky. Its complexity unfolds over time, making it a true pleasure to savor and explore.
For Bold Palates: This whisky caters to those who appreciate complex and bold flavors, and is sure to become a favorite for collectors.
Bunnahabhain 18 Facts:
- Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, including dry Oloroso sherry wood, contributing to its unique profile.
- Made using a mix of peated and unpeated malt, resulting in the lowest level of peat among all Islay whiskies.
- Crafted with natural color and unfiltered for an authentic taste.
- Awarded Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World Whisky Awards.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Bunnahabhain 12 | $70 |
| Bunnahabhain 18 | $200 |