Bunnahabhain Ceobanach Batch 2 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 46.3%          Age: No Age Statement          Country: Scotland

This distillery is the most northerly and remote on the island of Islay and was opened in 1883 to make use of excess grain from local farmers. The name Bunnahabhain translates as ‘mouth of the river’ and if you ever visit will see that the distillery is built near the mouth of the River Margadale which flows into the Sound of Islay. Pronounced Bú-na-ha-venn, this Islay Single Malt Scotch whisky is quite distinct from the many others on the island, given the wonderfully gentle taste profile for which it is known. Like many other distilleries Bunnahabhain have changed ancient processes and made them modern but still producing a renowned and distinctive single malt. There are two reasons for this – firstly, it has been created using lightly peated malted barley in a time-honoured distillation process and, secondly, this isolated coastal sanctuary takes advantage of the pure spring water that flows freely from underground away from the peaty moorlands. Bunnahabhain is one of the main whiskies which is added to Famous Grouse and Black Bottle blends.

This limited batch 2 release Bunnahabhain Ceobanach, pronounced ‘kyaw-bin-och’ and meaning ‘smokey mist’ from the Scot’s Gaelic, began with a dream of Master Distiller Ian MacMillan. His desire was to reflect the 19th century origins of Bunnahabhain, both the place and the single malt’s charming complex character. Ian took the inspiration from life on the island in the 1800’s when the whole community relied on peat for warmth, fuel and trade. A time when smoke from the open fires mingled with the salty sea air to create a ‘smoky mist’ you could almost taste.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose:  Heavy phenolic and fragrant smoke. Tar, antiseptic, seaweed and vanilla.

Palate: Malty with a mix of peat and vanilla. Dehydrated orange and earthen spices.

Finish: Peppery, sweet smoke and a lingering maritime character.