Bunnahabhain – 12 Pride of Islay Thompson Bros. Madeira Cask Finish

This is a 12-year-old Bunnahabhain from Islay, bottled by Thompson Bros. of Dornoch in its Pride of Islay range. The distillery makes unpeated whisky. It first matured in the usual way, then spent its last five years in first-fill Madeira casks. It was bottled without added colouring. The nose combines ripe red berries and walnuts with a clear maritime note. On the palate are rich walnut oil and the juicy sweetness of red fruit, with a light maritime saltiness. The finish stays nutty, with a hint of salt and a dry edge.