Bunnahabhain – Stiùireadair (70cl, 46.3%)

Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair is an Islay single malt bottled at 46.3% in a 70cl bottle. The name is Gaelic for helmsman and nods to the maritime history of the distillery on the island's coast. It brings together whisky from first-fill and second-fill sherry casks. Bunnahabhain is known for a mostly unpeated style, so the emphasis here is on sherry fruit and a light salty edge rather than smoke. The nose has dried fruit, creamy caramel, vanilla, nuts and warm spice, with a touch of brine. The palate is creamy and full, with sea salt and nutty notes. The finish is long, with caramel, dried fruit, nuts and spice, and a faint saltiness.