Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is an unpeated Islay single malt shaped by sea air and time. First launched in 1979, it marries bourbon and sherry casks, bottled naturally at 46.3% (non-chill filtered, natural colour). Elegant, coastal and classically sherried—refined, characterful and gift-worthy.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Fresh, aromatic nose of orchard blossom, dried fruits and a whisper of sea breeze. The palate is smooth and balanced: honeyed malt, toasted nuts, vanilla and soft caramel. A long, rich finish lingers with warm spice, sweet oak and a delicate saline note.

Key Details

• Producer: Bunnahabhain Distillery
• Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Unpeated)
• Region: Islay, Scotland
• ABV: 46.3%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: 12 years in ex-bourbon & ex-sherry casks
• Serve: Neat or with a splash of water; excellent over a large ice cube

Craftsmanship & Story

Meaning “mouth of the river” in Gaelic, Bunnahabhain sits by the Sound of Islay where Margadale spring water meets the sea. Double matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, the 12YO is bottled at 46.3% without chill-filtration or added colour, preserving a naturally rich, fruit-and-nut house style with a gentle coastal influence.

Special Features

Unpeated Islay profile; bourbon & sherry double maturation; natural colour and non-chill filtered for depth and texture; signature balance of dried fruit, roasted nuts and soft sea-salt lift.

Recognition & Accolades

Consistently decorated for balance, natural presentation and coastal-sherried character:

• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2018
• Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2025
• Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2024
• Gold – The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business), 2021
• Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2020
• Gold – World Whiskies Awards, 2018
• Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2018

A benchmark unpeated Islay—awarded for purity of style and superb cask balance.

Food Pairings

Smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche; roast chicken with thyme and lemon; pork terrine with fig chutney; aged Comté or Gruyère; almond tart or sticky toffee pudding to echo the caramel and nut notes.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Elegant, naturally presented and richly flavoured—ideal for collectors, connoisseurs and thoughtful milestone gifting.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Carefully packed with premium gift options and an optional personal message to complete the perfect present.