Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:00 pm
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 variations of Bunnahabhain 12 vs Deanston 12 in this direct comparison and pick your favored Single Malt!
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 Deanston 12: Comparison
Bunnahabhain 12: A gentler Islay experience with light smoke, sherry sweetness, and a creamy mouthfeel. Subtle smokiness and rich fruit notes make it accessible. 46% ABV. Perfect for those new to peated whisky.
Deanston 12: Bold and full of character with fruit, honey, and a spicy kick. Higher proof adds warmth. 46% ABV. Ideal for those seeking a whisky with bold flavors and a memorable finish.
Verdict: Bunnahabhain 12 offers a milder introduction to Islay’s peated whiskies, while Deanston 12 delivers a bold and warming Highland experience. Both provide complex flavors and are great for their respective fans, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Sherry Cask Aged Whiskies
Bunnahabhain 12: A Milder Islay Adventure
- Nose: Light smoke, raisin, prune, cocoa
- Palate: Sherry, red fruit, oak spice
- Finish: Medium, roasted nuts, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Highland Park 12
Bunnahabhain 12 offers a unique perspective on Islay whisky, known for its distinctive peaty character. This expression showcases a milder and more approachable profile, making it ideal for those new to peated whiskies or those who prefer a subtler smoky taste.
The aroma presents subtle smokiness intertwined with sweet hints of raisins, prunes, and cocoa. The palate is smooth and creamy, offering a delightful mouthfeel.
The flavor profile is predominantly sweet, featuring notes of sherry and red fruits. As it develops, a touch of oak spice emerges, leading to a slightly bitter finish.
This bitterness can be softened by adding a drop of water, further highlighting the sweetness and making it more accessible.
Here’s why Bunnahabhain 12 might be a good choice for you:
- Milder smoke: Compared to other Islay whiskies, Bunnahabhain 12 offers a subtler and less intense smoky character.
- Sweet and approachable: The smooth and creamy mouthfeel, combined with the dominance of sweet notes, makes it an easier entry point for those new to peated whiskies.
- Rich and complex: Despite its mild smokiness, Bunnahabhain 12 still delivers a complex flavor profile with hints of sherry, red fruits, and oak spice.
Key facts about Bunnahabhain 12:
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of 70% ex-bourbon and 30% ex-sherry casks.
- Presented in its natural color and unfiltered for a genuine expression.
- Founded in 1881, Bunnahabhain is the most remote distillery on Islay.
- Awarded Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013 and Silver Outstanding at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2014.
Overall, Bunnahabhain 12 is a delightful and approachable option for exploring the world of Islay whiskies, especially for those who prefer a milder smoky experience.
Deanston 12: Bold Flavors with a Kick
- Nose: Fruit, vanilla, honey, marzipan
- Palate: Fruit, raisins, honey, ginger, oak
- Finish: Medium, caramel, spice
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Clynelish 14
Deanston 12 is a single malt Scotch whisky known for its bold and characterful flavor profile, with a noticeable warmth due to its higher proof.
Aromas of juicy peaches and apricots take center stage on the nose, followed by subtle hints of vanilla, honey, and marzipan. The palate offers a luxuriously thick and satisfying mouthfeel.
The flavor journey starts with a touch of warmth, giving way to a delightful combination of peaches, apricots, honey, ginger spice, and oak. The finish lingers pleasantly with caramel sweetness, a satisfying spicy kick, and a light touch of bitterness.
Here’s my perspective:
- Bold and flavorful: Deanston 12 packs a punch with its vibrant taste profile.
- Warm and spicy: The higher proof adds a warming dimension, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of a “kick” in their whisky.
- Full of character: The unique combination of flavors creates a distinct and memorable dram.
However, it’s important to note that:
- The warmth can be perceived as a slight burn for some who prefer smoother whiskies.
- It may not be the most approachable choice for those new to whisky or those seeking a very smooth drinking experience.
Key facts about Deanston 12:
- Aged exclusively in ex-bourbon casks for 12 years.
- Unfiltered and uncolored for a natural expression.
- Unpeated for a lighter and more delicate taste.
- Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013 and Gold Outstanding at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2014.
- Produced by Deanston Distillery, which has a unique history, starting as a cotton mill in 1785 and transitioning into a distillery in 1966.
Overall, Deanston 12 is a great choice for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate bold flavors, a touch of warmth, and a unique character in their dram.
What do Bunnahabhain and Deanston have in common?
These brands are owned, along with the Tobermory, by the South Africa-based Distell Group Limited.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Bunnahabhain 12 | $64 |
| Deanston 12 | $64 |