Bunnahabhain 12: Islay's Unpeated Coastal 46.3% Gentle Giant

Item: Bunnahabhain 12: Islay's Unpeated Coastal 46.3% Gentle Giant
Rating: 8.8
Author: Joe Whitfield

Joe Whitfield April 10, 2026 1 views

8.8 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Bunnahabhain
Type: Scotch
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 46.3% ABV
Price: £48

Tasting Notes

Nose

Sea salt, toasted nuts, dried fruit, light sherry sweetness and a fresh malty character.

Palate

Medium-bodied — nutty malt, raisin, brine, milk chocolate and a wisp of fresh oak.

Finish

Medium-long, salty-sweet — nuts, dried fruit and a coastal tang.

First Impressions

For an Islay whisky, Bunnahabhain 12 is famously gentle — unpeated, soft and approachable.

Distillery & Heritage

Founded in 1881 on the remote north-east coast of Islay, Bunnahabhain (pronounced 'Boon-a-haven') sits at the end of a long single-track road overlooking the Sound of Islay. Since 2010 the core range has been bottled at a higher 46.3% ABV, non-chill-filtered and natural colour.

Tasting Notes in Detail

The nose is gently maritime: sea spray, toasted hazelnut and a soft sherry sweetness. The palate carries that same nutty-malty character, with raisin, brine and a hint of cocoa from the sherry cask influence.

Verdict

A perfect entry point for anyone curious about Islay but wary of peat.

Where to Buy

Master of Malt
£41.39

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The Whisky Exchange
£42.95

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Joe Whitfield

Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...