Bunnahabhain – 12 Year Old (70cl, 46.3%)

This is Bunnahabhain's 12-year-old Islay single malt, the core bottling of the distillery's range, bottled by the distillery at 46.3% in a 70cl bottle. Up to 2010 it was bottled at 40%, with added caramel colouring and chill filtration. The colouring was then dropped and the strength raised to 46.3%. Bunnahabhain's spirit has been unpeated since 1963, and this 12-year-old shows a strong sherry influence. The official notes describe a fresh, aromatic nose of floral fruit, dried fruit and a little smoke. The palate is light and nutty, with sweetness and hints of vanilla and caramel, leading to a lingering, rich finish.