ralfy review 975 - Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair @46.3%vol:
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2023
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I’m glad you’re willing to review a NAS bottle again. I liked Laphroig’s Lore (NAS), several NAS Ardbegs, and I’m wrestling with, and am enjoying aspects of, Highland Park’s cask strength (NAS). I’d love to try the cask strength, 12 year, Bunnahabhain, but it’s not available here. Thanks 🙏
Did you know Ralfy that “cat’s eyes” road markers were invented by a guy whose car headlights were one night reflected back to him by a cat crossing the road? Interestingly if the cat had been going in the opposite direction he would have probably invented the pencil sharpener.
. . . a great historical fact 😁
This has been very helpful! I’ve had this bottle opened for a couple of months, but never have been quite able to put a finger on what was actually happening. One time i tasted sweet, another it was sour and astringent. Then both, then sweet. I found that a couple of minutes of rest really helped. I think what you are describing is close to what i’ve been noticing by meself. In the beginning I hated this bottle, but now it’s become a friend that’s I’m having fun arguing with every once in a while.
Got a bottle of this sitting on the shelf unopened, which cost about £25. Sounds like it's good VFM but also a good reminder to pick up a bottle of the 12 yo CS. Thanks Ralfy! (We need more Fluffy!)
It's quite good considering I got two bottles on Amazon at £25 each. But now it's £35. Back to the 12! It's better.
I like it too when Fluffy or the other cats join the review!
I got some there too, its definitely improved by leaving in the glass for about an hour.
At £26 on offer it's a bargain, and a solid introduction to Bunnahabhain. But at full price you might as well spend the extra fiver or so and get the 12
The 12 year old version is my regular single malt. My experience with this is reliable consistency, a solid dependable malt. I have also tried the version on your video, but although it's of a moderate acceptable flavour, it's not upto the quality and flavour of its 12 year old brother. So I fully agree with your review Ralfy.
I disagree with the reliable consistency. Bunna has a lot of quality control issues. Some bottles of the 12 y.o. are not very good.
Music to my ears dear Ralfy. Being on a budget, I am not buying anything but enjoying my modest stash including the Glendronach 8 yo The Hielan which I stocked up on two years ago, which I luckily bought for 31 euros. It’s a pity Billy Walker sold the distillery. Thanks for all your kindness, sincere and wise advice. Kindest regards, S.
Glendronach was once part of the Chivas group. In fact, at Kilamalid bottling plant reception, they still have a very large mirror hanging with the brand names around the outside, including Glendronach
I love this. Bunna say that the casks for this came from the seaward facing side of the warehouses hence the maritime slight sourness. More refill sherry casks in here and for 25 on offer, I think it's a no brainier for a daily dram
Do Bunnahabhain actually age all of their whisky on site? I was under the impression that most distilleries send off casks to large warehouses around Glasgow.
@@pwalker32 not all on site. They send some to Tobermory and some to Deanston plus some I believe some to a shared complex on the mainland.
I wonder what adding a teaspoon of Corryvrekan or Uigeadahl would do to this bottle? I just might have to try and find out! PS...I took my eyes off the screen and was listening to the show and at one point I thought I heard my cat Beans calling me....but it was Fluffy....and they both look very similar too! Too funny! Have you thought of any special ideas for your 1,000th show? that will be an amazing milestone to pass....thank you for providing so much good advice and content over the years!
One of my favorite single malts, even though it’s not peated. I find that it has a wonderful flavor. At $39.99 US it’s a great value IMO. I keep fearing that the price to go up at my regular South Carolina shop, so let’s keep this value on the down low. I’ve tried the 12 YO for comparison and find that it’s not enough better to justify the higher price. When I’m not drinking Port Charlotte, I’m drinking this expression of Bunnahabhain. Enjoyed your review Ralphie, as I always do.
I call this 'the wild teenager' 😁
I think for the price that you usually can find it (and many times on offer even better) is a very good value. I would pay a bit extra for the 12, although I think that if you want something 'punchy' and young, this is probably one of the best in the market that you can find for that price.
Whisky that started it all for me. I tried non age stated ( few bottles for £26 ) 12,12 cask strength, drinking 18 now and I think I can buy a few bottles of this one and cask strength as it's my favorite and I will be very happy. These days I can find it at £33 the lowest price I hope it will be back somewhere at some point for £26 as it is absolute bargain.Great review Ralfy.
Great review, Ralfy! I think also covering NAS bottlings is enriching the channel even further. Though if there's one age stated whisky review I'm looking forward to one day, it's the new Wolfburn 10yo!
It is quite good in fact - on the market in Germany since last week
@@michaellehner2164 and I bet it has no sticker on it there that says caramel colouring has been added!
@@willemkilian9563👌 and it states 46% even though I rather exspected 50
So well said. NAS are the new 🔥🔥🥃
Great review as always. You've nailed it with liking it at first and in quick sips but the more you wait the more it lets it's age and hastiness show. It is a good gift for a new drinker though. Cheers!
Oh good!! I keep looking at it but grabbing the Bunnahabhain 12, which I love!
By the way, I can handle a blended bourbon a whole lot better than a blended scotch.
Thanks very much for your review!
I do not know much about whisky, so I am not going to say that I agree or not agree.
Just that I like the Bunnahabhain STIÙIREADAIR myself very much!
Best regards and see you next time on your great channel!
❤ to your cats 😽
Good to see Fluffy on cam. Was it experience? Or Spidey senses to grab the Dram? Answers on a post card.......
In other news I called an 81 score early on in the video. Anyone else play Ralfy bingo? Answers on a separate postcard.....
Hello Ralfy,
thanks for the review from the Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair . Some times he is in the Aldi Discounter for 30Euro .
Here is the Price verry intressting. Sounds good natural color nice ABV. Not bad must try him one day.
All a good time . Peppe
I was tossing up between Bunnahabhain and Glengoyne 10yo. Here in Australia, Bunnahabhain is A$10 extra. But for non-chill filtered and a higher proof, Bunnahabhain is worth paying more for notwithstanding Glengoyne's extra aging.
I've learnt a lot about the hobby and the art of whisky appreciation from you Ralfy. Thanks mate!
i discovered this a few years ago and have always had a bottle on the bar since then, for £25 from uk supermarkets on offer it is a bargain, i prefer it to the 12 year old (just my personal preference) i automatically add a drop of water when i pour a dram this to me is the perfect way to enjoy it
Honestly many of my recent favourite are NAS.
- Kilchoman Sanaig
- Ledaig Sinclair
- Longrow
- Kornog
- Peats Beast Cask strenght
- Bunnahabain Toiteach a da
Just picked up a bottle of this and Moine today. Looking forward to tonight. Hope I’m not disappointed. Love the 12 😊
One good point with these distilleries that are releasing young NAS bottlings at cheap prices - many are also dropping these products to 40%, chill filtering and adding colour to "suit that market". Some, including Distell, are sticking to their values and keeping the natural presentation at 46% and above, and they should be commended for it.
Last time a bought a bottle before Xmas it was £27 in Morrisons. Watching this review drinking a dram of freshly opened 2005 Diageo Directors Blend, from when they still appreciated their workers.
's exactly what I did: I enjoyed the bottle but I'm not gonna rush out and buy another. Should be a faster sipper perhaps 😅 similar things are happening with other NAS whiskies from Bunna. But not with all!
And yes, you are yammering at a high level - but not for no reason!
And you mean "Wee beastie", not "Ardnabeast" (which is a great name idea!!).
And yes, considering your newer way of rating, I find 81 to be better than i thought, but certainly fair.
I like blending Glendronach 12 with a wee bit of Aberlour A'Bunadh. Wow. Very delicious.
i bought this a year or so ago, I couldn't get the 12 yo at the time. Was a bit disappointed. I got the 12 yo eventually and what a step up. I havent tried the cask strength yet. But....... wasn't until I saw this review a little while & I've been missing the experience. Yes, add a little water & leave it for 30 mins, an hour or longer, it just sooooo much better. Thanks Ralfy !!
Thanks for this review, Ralfy! This is the first Bunna I've tried. It tasted a bit strange to me compared to other single malts, but it's certainly not a cheap whisky, and I agree with your mark. Bunna also make peated whiskies, of which I have tried a travel retail expression called Cruach Mhòna - 50% ABV, unchillfiltered, natural color - I would say it's a very good whisky.
another entertaining review!! I'll stick with the 12y, it's usually available at a decent price here in Italy..thanks Ralfy !
Thanks a lot for another NAS review! This is doing GREAT for 2023! 🔥🔥
I couldn’t agree more with your review of this 👍
It's a nice dram.
Certainly value for money.
But it surely steers clear away from the 12's classic version; still not been able to try the CS.
I find this one delightfully herbal and briny despite it's adolescent character.
And you're right, I, too, would choose this over any generic blended scotch any night of the week!
Best regards to you Ralfy and all the malt mindful mafiozzi!
Hello Ralfy,
i had that Stureadir(😅) a few weeks ago and i was not delighted by it because i found it quite ethanolic and sharp and a little Bit boring. Same was the" Eric the Green in the Red Tube"(i know its a different name but thats how i remember it 😅) .
I stick to the Peated Expressions when its a NAS and of course the 12 is an unbeatable Standard at 46,3ABV and a real Great Malt at CS.
These People at Bunna are doing a really good Job and i wish them all the Best.
Great review. I think this will be a great whisky for me as I'm rather new to this whisky world. I found the Bunn 12 was a bit to strong and to complex for me to break down and understand yet.
Neighbor picked this up the other day and we both loved it for it's value. Cheap (as Scotch goes) and just a good every day drinker.
Hope you revisit the Glen Breton sometime soon, ralfy. Cheers for another good one.
May give this a shot when I pick up the 12 again. It's been a while since I've sipped Bunnahabhain to begin with, so I think a comparison between this and 12 would be a great way to reintroduce myself.
Very respectable score
This is classic Ralfy. Brilliant riffing. As Van the Man said "...and the craic is good".
as someone who tends to buy non age statement whisky (largely due to availability and price) I'm happy with that score, I do enjoy the Stiuireadair and it's bottling percentage certainly helps lift it over many of the others in my collection. I do need to look into a bottle of 12 year old though as it's been years since I finished my last one
I bought bunnahabhain toiteach a dha edition and very nicely surprised.
Always wanted to buy this and try it and after this i will get it. Also the price is very very good.
Thanks as always
I bought this bottle to make Christmas cake instead of brandy and I’m glad I did beside it was also very enjoyable but totally agree it’s a bit flat in the long term and lacks development, good whisky if you’re in a rush
£27.00 on Amazon. Happy days!
Greetings Mr Ralfy and thank you for another informative video. This one been under ny radar for a while, and I am glad you reviewed it. In fact , I bought a bruichladdich 2013 vintage last week which I haven't opened it yet and I am going to go and exchange it with this. One question that I always have is why they don't put the age ? I don't think it is a bad thing saying, for instance it is a 7 year old single malt, what is the reason behind not advising the age. Take care
Stiuireadair....is one of my favorite whiskies....great taste....nose and really good value....to me a real west coaster.....can hear the sea....and smell the salty air.....(i've probably had too much of it!)
I must be a little strange as Ralfy was giving me direction for a 12 CS top up I went for the Redbreast B1/22 just to see what the Pot still shortbread would bring : ) I'll get
an new dram to play with drips away
I noticed the same, first glass out of the bottle was good. After that and when you let it settle more it getting more boring. So next time im going to do little splashes in my glass and refill it every 15 minutes ;)
I might be willing to admit that a blend, being less expensive, might be the wave of the future. And I think by definition they are going to be less of an event than a single malt. The unique flavors will get blended away.
Very bold statement to halt your series because you're not finding the quality..
May we find some teaspoon whiskies soon.
In New York I'm finding Blackadder on the shelf. They are some expensive and young single malts, some integrity blended malts and some expensive NAS undisclosed single cask single malts. For $100 I want to know something about it
I bought the Stiùireadair as my introduction to Bunnahabhain about a year ago, and I absolutely fell in love with the nose 'flavours' of it very much. I got a lot of creamy, caramely, fudgy, butterscotch... almost reminiscent of Werther's Originals on the nose, but when I tasted it I could not stand it at all. I actually thought that I had a bad bottle, but the person in the store told me that it was the peat. But please forgive me and correct me if I am wrong, but I was/am under the impression that Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair is unpeated.
I tried it again after a few days, but still I really disliked it a lot and I left it a few months before trying it again. When I went back to it, it was still really not to my palate at all, and I was so disappointed as I really wanted to like it.
After around a year of having this bottle open, and repeatedly coming back to it and trying it time after time, I can finally say that I am enjoying it!! So much so that I may even buy another bottle of it, but I will most definitely be trying the 12 year old Bunnahabhain sometime in the very near future.
Many thanks for your reviews, I appreciate your knowledge and the in-depth information you give. I have never come across another whisky reviewer who gives as much detail and knowedge as you do, thank you so much 🙏🏻
I hope you have a lovely time over the festive holidays, and all the best for 2024!!
Slàinte mhath 🥃🏴
Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich are my top 2 distilleries at this moment.
I recently opened a bottle of Hankey Bannister's "Heritage Blend"...really nice stuff !
Thompson Brothers -Worthy Park 16 Overproof is fabulous and was only $60-ish here at K&L in California
Thanks Ralfy for another great Malt moment! Concerning Blends - have you ever tried one of the blends from LIDL called 'Glenalba'? Available online in Germany and in my opinion reaaallly good stuff. Really catched me although I usually don't like blends too much. I'd like to hear your opinion on one of their expressions. Kind regards from a small village near Hamburg.
I've been enjoying the Bunna Stiu actually, and it's nearly finished. Also have a 12 and a 12 CS, but not opened yet. I think I'll take your advice and top up the Stiu with some 12 👍
excellent Review congratulations Ralfy, now I ask you a question if you had to choose between this and the Clasicc Laddie and Bunnahabhain Stiuriadair which would you prefer? 🐱🐆😅🥃🥃
Best supermarket whisky when its £25....😃🥃
decent blends in my view are - berry bros rudd sherry cask 44.2 , ---- old perth cask str 58.6 , ;;;; no wishey washey here , just a good dram ..
It was my first Buna which i tasted and very tasty for me. Perfect entry for Buna paradise 😊. I like spiciness of this whisky. Who need very smooth dram go to Red label 😂
Hi Ralfy, would you recommend using underwhelming whisky for cooking purposes? I guess a (heavily) sherried malt could give you nice aromas :-)
Perfect with fruit cake or Christmas pudding 😊
I might be wrong but I think most of the grain-based whisky used in blends is predominantly made from wheat, not corn. I think that's the case when it's come to Scotch anyway.
Nice to hear your (mostly, by far) positive comments, Ralfy, but even more so, really loving yer maltmates ’ love for this dram in the comments! 😁👍🥃
This whisky costs £45 in Norway, whereas the 12YO is £55.
£70.52 (11.999ÍKR) for the fabulous Bunna 12YO up here in Iceland from the state alcohol shop vínbúðin.
This is a single malt that's good value for the price especially in supermarkets where its regularly discounted , it is a bit young but its a single malt where you might be concentrating on something else and just want a whisky which you don't need to over analyse what your drinking.
I had a 12 year old a few years back that was fantastic, bought this one because I had a few vouchers and what not for the supermarket and it came down to $30 AU from $99. Couldn't agree more with the review. First few tastes I was very disappointed but after leaving the bottle for a few days and adding a bit water to the glass it is fine to drink.
The finish to me was very tangy not massively pleasant.
I'm about 3 years into my whiskey journey and I wouldn't buy it again.
For under £30 (which it often is here) there is little to beat it young and fresh though it is. To keep comparing to the £70 cask strength is a stretch
I'm down to my last Something Special 12 YO (NAS today) and, last Christmas, went through my Something Special 15 YO (Legacy, NAS today). I was impressed by the 15 YO. If you can get one, even if it is a Legacy, do try it. That's a big IF. I got six (3+3) of these bottles in 1983 off the coast of Naliya, Bhuj, Gujarat, India in exchange for six one-quid bottles of Rum from shrimp fishermen who wouldn't know a Scotch from their crotch.
"Cask formula"... would you mind sharing your knowledge about that topic? The only thing that crosses my mind is a distillery playing with ex-bourbon barrels that aged younger bourbon to impart bigger flavors in their scotch, or using virgin oak for some of their own releases so they can use it later for older more mature versions of their juice... am I right? Either way, I would love to hear your opinion/ experience in that regard. Thanks! -Max
You are a little severe on this whisky, I think as you say it is way better than most blended Scotch presentations, ah well we enjoy our drams as we find them
If whisky notes can be compared to musical notes, then this has the treble of the sharper sherry notes and the base of the smokier notes but absolutely no midrange. The sherry fights the smoke rather than compliments it
My solution is to make old fashions with it. Two ounces Bunnahabhain, 1/4 oz each of Campari and Curacao, and 2-3 dashes of bitters in a rocks glass with one large cube of ice. Makes for a tasty and complex cocktail.
100% agree on everything you said. I bought two a little over a year ago and it fell short of what I expected so I too also up-blended my way through them.
Picked up a bottle for $40. Probably my new go to Islay with Ardbeg 10yr at nearly $55 now.
For me this Bunna was bitter and astringent. Not pleasant at all. However, my friend said he loved it. Usually we are on the same page when it comes to Scotch so I don't know what happened with this particular bottle.....
I was very disappointed with my last bottle of Bunna Stew; it had a vegetal bordering on vomit smell to it which has put me right off this NAS, despite the fact that as an almost integrity bottling, is a good value for money malt. Nope...it has to be the 12 year old from now on and that, I know, will not let me down. Looking forward to more accessible, affordable whisky review Ralfy.
Bunna is hard to find in US. Would love to add cask strength to NAS to see malt get lifted
How does it compare to the An Cladach available for 35 pounds (1L, 50% ABV) at Heathrow Duty Free?
It wasn't my favorite. "Toiteach a Dhà" was more to my liking as an NAS Bunnahabain.
Please review the Bunnahabhain Móine! I think it is an absolute cracker of a whisky for a bargain price (or is that one not available in Scotland?)
Ralfy what about Hunter Laing Journey series, the Campbeltown, Hebridean, Highland and Islay. Are they any good, have you tried them?
ye, I love ... nono ... I don't love you ! ... but ... I do, ... love this mind, these taste buds ... your anorack old fashioned style ... well; ok; I love you old brother !
I found this to be undrinkable…and I’m a peat lover.
Will it carbonate?
In reviews whisky always seems to be better with a bit of water. Does that not imply it would have been better bottled at a lower strength?
Just to point out, Waitrose were selling 12 year old, from the shelf for £27¡!! 5 years ago.
am a muppet and i like this malt, like the toichela
Are cats a regular feature of Bothys?
Gotta love Cats!
"Hello you meandering maltskateers, meticulously moving through the maltiverse!" - there's a malt mention for ya Ralfy! Also, an idea for a future video, could you perhaps discuss some more detail about cask selection and cask disclosure? For example, many single malts mention a main maturation in American oak, but that doesn't necessarily mean that cask was ex-bourbon, which could be confusing to some. I think more so to describe the different of stating "American oak cask" or "French oak cask" as opposed to whether it was "ex-bourbon", "ex-sauternes", "ex-sherry", "ex-cognac", "ex-red wine", etc. I'm sure lots of malt mates would find your thoughts of interest :)
. . .casks are confusing, more 'extras' about it soon.! Your M-mention is now on the List, thanks !
Yep the 12 is still the one.
Just finished my bottle on Friday.Was it as good as the twelve?.....No! Was this 12 as good as my last...No! Can't complain for £30 though,and il alqays have a bottle in my collection. When i was younger in my early teens ,now in my mid forties, i used to pronounce it Boona-bain.
Have tried the blends from Murray McDavid? 46% NCF.
Currently on offer for around £27.00 at the big supermarkets and A****n. 3rd April 2024
I really struggle with putting a perfectly good scotch in with an inferior one. I accept this bottle for what it is and will eventually get through it (perhaps by cooking with it) but I simply can’t disrespect a bottle that I really enjoy by trying to boost another. Just my opinion :)
I don’t know why , but it used to be good, last bottle I had wasn’t as good as I remember 🤷🏻♂️, still not bad when its on sale
When is the old forester 1920 review?
21:26 😂
Hi Ralfy, how do we send you "malt mentions" and ideas for a future video?
Cheers, Tim H
. . just place a comment.
Why that version isn't light peated IT will be alternative to 12...greetings from Poland
Try north stars latest blend, only £28. Bargain
FFS matey wish someone would buy me a Bunna12 cask strength for my birthday or Christmas, no bugger loves me ;-) Joking apart the cask strength is a belter.
Found this for £26-0 quid, so keeps me off the two Bunna 12yrs, like that Ledaig Rioja keeps me off the 18 yr old, all things have a purpose matey 🙂