Finally got a bottle of the 18 after seeing your praise for bunnahabhain in this video/previous videos. I gotta thank you for shining a light on them, because this is a fantastic dram. Easily a 90+ for me as well.
I'm a massive fan of this one. I've been hearing that it's gone downhill, but I can't comment. My last bottle was a stunner. Glad you're enjoying it PN!
The poetry here is apposite for such a fine whisky. And I’m glad you gave it the same score as me. I’m really enjoying my bottle. Review requests: Tomintoul 14, and a more personal video about your whisky “journey”, in which you divulge who Geoff is, what got you into whisky, how your tastes have changed over time, and your experiences with other quality beverages etc.
I'm not sure how much people are interested in my personal story, although a couple people have shown a bit of curiosity towards "my journey," so that might be a consideration. I haven't had a Tomintoul in ages. One to consider! Cheers Shaun, glad you're digging your Bunna 18 as much as I am!
This was the sherried scotch that made me finally understand and appreciate sherried scotches. Absolute masterpiece of a dram and still ranks near the top after the 100+ different bottles of scotch I've had.
The word "masterpiece" has popped up a couple times in the comment section, and I happen to agree with that assessment. I've had a lot of whiskies myself, and like you I'd rank this among the best.
Top 5 drams i had for sure. I guess Dronach 21 and 18 are fighting with Bunna 18 for me for #1. The 12 is fantastic but bunna 18 is so damn fine! Cheers
While a lot of whiskies can diminish in quality over time. Bunnahabain holds its own and towers above the rest. The Bunnahabhain 18 is my favorite un-peated 18 and for the price it just cannot be beat. The nuances in this whisky are spectacular. It punches way above its weight. I have always had the Bunna 18 on my shelves for one of those evenings when you treat yourself. I don't think the older bottlings were better, different perhaps. Great review and you might have given Bunnahabhain an idea for a superbowl Ad. Great review for a masterpiece of whisky. Cheers!
Hah yeah I'm expecting the Bunna marketing team to be reaching out to me any day now. Masterpiece is a loaded word, and one that I agree applies to this whisky. One of my favourite core range expressions from any distillery.
@@Gwhisky Oh, this one is definitely a masterpiece! Deserves its place amongst the pantheon of other great 18 year olds. Arran 18, Glenlivet 18 (43%), Springbank 18 (if only it could be affordable), Longmorn 18, Glendronach 18 (Billy walker bottles) and a few others. Btw, I could not help myself pouring a dram of the Bunna 18 as I watched your review. What a dram! Cheers!
I wish I could be able to identify all those flavors and aromas like you, but at least I know when my palate loves what it tastes, likes it very much, just likes, it’s ok, doesn’t like or wants to vomite. This is really earthy and salty and I certainly love it after tasting it from a sample.
Again cool video, I don’t know where you sit, but here in middle Europe it’s pretty expensive with around 130-140€. But love it too, purchased it for my birthday half a year ago
The Bunna 18 sounds amazing, but it's still way too expensive where I am to justify it ($270 nzd! and the 12 is only $86 nzd... and also it's only $150nzd for the Arran 18, which I would put in the same league at this.) However, I did get a Bunna 'Signatory' 2009 / 11YO at a whopping 68.2% aged only in first-fill sherry casks for only $170, which I am loving! Thanks for the review!
Yeah the prices for this bottle waver a lot internationally, and unfortunately it looks like you're one of the unlucky ones. $270 nzd is a lot! I prefer the Bunna 18 to the Arran 18, but only a little. Certainly nowhere near enough to justify that gap in price! That Signatory sounds like a hell of a dram! Cheers Phil!
@@Gwhisky Yeah true,.I will definitely be keeping an eye out now, if they import it at a price closer to the Arran 18 though. I'm super curious to try it! It's weird how prices can vary like that. Ha it is! It's like a sherry nuclear bomb 😅 Cheers! 🥃
Great review!! Definitely on my bucket list! I would like you to review some old classics like Lagavulin 16, Highland Park 18, or something from Glenfarclass. Keep it up!!
I was checking a local store and the new US price for this is $500 dollars. The cheapest locally for me is $260 for stock purchased last year that happens to be still sitting in another stores shelves. I’m speechless.
Finally got a bottle of this on Thursday. Was going to save it up for a special occasion but what the heck. I cracked it open this afternoon and had a taste alongside the Bunna 12 for a comparision. I like the 12 and the 18 is clearly in the same family, but more refined and deeper. Loved it. Looking forward to continuing to taste it over the coming weeks/months - I find that some whiskies continue to evolve in the bottle once you open them up and I suspect it will be the same with this.
Your review of this whiskey has me wanting to go get one lol just wish it was higher abv for nearly $200. I just picked up the Port Charlotte OLC:01 2010 for nearly the same price at cask strength. Different whiskey but both islay so how you think they stack up next to each other?
Hey Gwhisky, I had a chance to sample some Bunnahabhain 18 from a cigar bar and absolutely loved it. Probably the best scotch I’ve had to date. Unfortunately it’s nowhere to be found where I live and online I’ve found it at whiskey exchange with a price of $186 with the shipping to Arizona. Is the 18 still worth it you think or would there be another whiskey near $200 that might be available to me that you’d recommend? I really the Smokey scotches but also enjoy some speysides. The Craigellachie 13 is a great one I saw you give some high praise last year. Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.
To be honest it should be cheaper, but I can't say it's a whisky that isn't worth spending good money on. It's a personal favourite. Although it's a totally different flavour profile, I would also recommend the Ledaig 18, which tends to be cheaper and more widely available. That one's much more peated, but it's an amazing 18 year old at a good price. Cheers!
On it / buying it , sounds perfect for my taste ya do get a bit fed up with whiskies with a heavy sweet Sherry over-coat , let’s have some punch some spice some character , sounds excellent 👍 A very theatrical description sir 🤣!! Great review 👍🥃
I had wondered why it was that I liked Bunna 18 so much more than the various other sherried scotches I had had at that point, and after some conversation, figured out it just came down to higher quality casks. There's certainly more tannins and more complexities in the 18, compared to something like Balvenie's sherried 15 which seemed very one note and saccharine to me. I even have an early 2019 batch Glendronach 18 (so actually 23-24 years old) and honestly, I still very well might prefer the Bunna 18. This all said though, I acknowledge my palate isn't as developed with sherried scotches as someone else's might be, but the point is Bunna 18 is and always has punched well above its weight, and where I am it's $155 which I would consider to be a phenomenal deal for a scotch of it's caliber. Funnily enough the Ledaig 18 is the exact same price here and I would rank it similarly highly as far as scotches with very active sherry casks go- just this one happens to be peated and a very unique peat profile at that.
@@Qrbrbrbl Very well put. I think if you're not a "sherry guy" like I am, the Bunna 18 is a great ambassador for high-quality sherried whisky. It doesn't overwhelm with sweetness like others do! Btw... Ledaig 18 is a favourite of mine, too. A truly excellent 18 year old!
I consider this bottle every time I visit the liquor store, and I’ll buy it eventually. I love the standard 12 year and the 12 year cask strength, but the 18 year is well north of $100:here, so I hope it’s worth the price. UPDATE: bought it ($153) and it actually reminds me a LOT of Glendronach 15. Now that's a good thing for me, because I love Glendronach 15, and while it's less expensive, I can't find it anywhere here in Maine or New Hampshire.
I’m a big Bunnahabhain fan, though I’ve not yet had the 18. It’s infrequently available where I am, and when it does appear, it’s priced around $160 USD plus tax. You make a strong argument for my eventually forking over the cash, however.
@@Gwhisky I’ll definitely pick it up one day. The last time I spent that much on a single bottle was for a Longrow Red (13 year old cabernet matured) and, I hate to say, it was worth it!
Bunnahabhain XII, XVIII & XXV. These three allow me to appreciate sherry cask whisky. The new Bunnahabhain 18 price keep rising up in my region, wish to try it one day and compare to the old version.
If i haven't tried Bunna 18yo, I MUST put it on top of my buying list after watching this review! IMO Bunna 12/18yo are not strong character type; they're great for balance, which is why it may not be top 1 but definitely go into top 10 best 12/18yo list on many other reviewers' ranking. I do like Bunna 12/18yo, but have never tried 25 yo. Do you think it is very different from 18yo?
Great review, as always - it sounds like a must-buy! Would be interesting to know if the average price I can find it for (approx £115/ $160) is on par with your mid-range assessment?
That's a bit pricey by my standards, but I'm very fortunate to live in one of the world's cheapest whisky markets. Still an amazing bottle and worth it if you want to treat yourself!
I have a bottle of Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair (unopened) in my collection. I bought it before I decided that age statement was a better choice. I'd love to try that 18-year old.
I've never had the Stiuireadair. The age stated stuff is always good, but the NAS can be hit or miss. Curious how you'll feel about that one, I've been considering trying it myself!
@@Gwhisky Okay. Well, my youngest son Greg is paying a state visit this weekend. Here's the deal: I'll open that bottle of Striuireadair with him and next week, I'll give you my tasting notes. Being NAS, I'm expecting it to be very young.
@@Gwhisky My son paid his visit, Geoff, and we opened two fresh bottles from my collection. First off was the Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair. It was what you would expect of a NAS bottling from this distillery -nothing special in the nose and taste, probably because it has a lot of young spirit in it - although still a nice whisky. But for both of us, it was the finish that took us by surprise: a great briny, sea-salt hit that we both loved. We poured a generous measure and made it last. I would definitely recommend you try this one. Good value for money. Then, I opened a bottle of Elijah Craig ...
@@sunryse111 Interesting! I'll keep an eye out for that one. I haven't had the best luck with some of these Bunnas, but that finish sounds nice! Thanks for following up and I hope you enjoyed your son's visit!
I just opened this bottle today and I’m turned off by the heavy nuttiness. Does that tame down after the bottle breathes after a couple weeks or months? And is the even the note I’m picking up? I was thinking could be toffee as well.
I don't think there was ever a point that I disliked this stuff, but I can tell you that the ones I've had opened up beautifully, and that it might be closed initially.
This really sounds like a must have. I’ve had my eye on it for years. First off , it’s not available often. Hard to find even. I know a store with it but it goes for a whopping $170. It’s always been one of the priciest 18 yr olds. Several years ago it was @ $120 or so. just can’t justify that much at this time. So sad.
@@Gwhisky yeah, that was a missed opportunity. Didn’t know anything about bunnahabhain back then. Good to know it’s still great stuff if I ever buy it.
@@Gwhisky Ok, i had an idea. I took my last bottle of Glengoyne 18 and turned it in at a Total wine and paid the difference of $30 to get the Bunnahabhain 18. So there finally got it. Also pulled the trigger on the Victoriana for $95.
This bottle was from a few years back. I haven't tried a more recent batch, so I don't know the current state of Bunna 18. But yeah this bottle was one of my favourites.
I wish, I wish,* (*don’t want to use up all three) that I could make myself enjoy the 12yo. Try as I might, it does nothing for me. It currently sits on my cabinet, but is on the short list of not to be replaced…… it’s weird when everyone tells you something is so good, but you just can’t get into it. Like arriving at a party sober, when everyone else is in the swing of things. Therefore, there is no way I’d lay out the Au$275 it’s costs for the 18yo, where I live.
Sorry to hear you're not a fan of the 12, but I respect that you're honest to yourself and others about what you do and don't like. And of course if you're not a fan of the 12, definitely don't buy the 18. They share some common characteristics. Cheers Howard!
I know that feeling! Remember when I tried Bunna12 and Talisker10, just didn't get it. But one year after, I'm a huge fan for both distilleries. I guess keep trying different whiskys make my palate more sensible and getting more. I mean, just choose what you like, and equally important to try others preference, maybe something will change!
I know how you feel. I love the peated Islays. Most people will tell you Lagavulin is the king of the peated Islays yet of all the peated Islays I have had, it's almost last on my list. The only one I like less is actually the Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dhà. I'll take a Laphroaig or Port Charlotte over Lagavulin any day. Even an Ardbeg or Caol Ila
Seems you fav less-sherry whisky. Laphroaig10, Port Charlotte10, Ardbeg10 or Caol Ila12 are bourbon-forward style. Ha ha as you I like bourbon barrel style first, but now I gradually move into a sherry guy.
@@Gwhisky I remember when I first time bought lagavulin 16yo few years it was like ~80€ but today it is 96€ I don't know if you have seen there such price increases in various bottles? most of the "cheap" stuff is usually 20-30€ more here.
In Bulgaria I have to pay minimum of around 137 euros for a bottle of this, which is times three the price of the 12 yo. So for the time being it's a pass for me.
It really is a gem and is about as good as an unpeated Scotch gets IMHO. You can easily spend several times more, hundreds and hundreds more, and not find something as special & enjoyable ✌️
I never understand, the nonsense of all the flavors like you name a ton a stuff like berries, Soil and autumn leaves. Like what in the world are you talking about. I had this bottle a few times. The best way to describe the taste is oak, you get a punch of oak on the plate and the finish is peppery. That’s it lol it’s a good bottle and has a very unique taste because the oak is very strong!
Too rich for my blood... 200 quid.. Nosireebob.. A Spingbank 15.. A Clynelish 14.. And 50 yoyos to spare... I like me drop but this is O. T T. Price wise..
Finally got a bottle of the 18 after seeing your praise for bunnahabhain in this video/previous videos. I gotta thank you for shining a light on them, because this is a fantastic dram. Easily a 90+ for me as well.
I'm a massive fan of this one. I've been hearing that it's gone downhill, but I can't comment. My last bottle was a stunner. Glad you're enjoying it PN!
The poetry here is apposite for such a fine whisky. And I’m glad you gave it the same score as me. I’m really enjoying my bottle. Review requests: Tomintoul 14, and a more personal video about your whisky “journey”, in which you divulge who Geoff is, what got you into whisky, how your tastes have changed over time, and your experiences with other quality beverages etc.
I'm not sure how much people are interested in my personal story, although a couple people have shown a bit of curiosity towards "my journey," so that might be a consideration. I haven't had a Tomintoul in ages. One to consider! Cheers Shaun, glad you're digging your Bunna 18 as much as I am!
This was the sherried scotch that made me finally understand and appreciate sherried scotches. Absolute masterpiece of a dram and still ranks near the top after the 100+ different bottles of scotch I've had.
The word "masterpiece" has popped up a couple times in the comment section, and I happen to agree with that assessment. I've had a lot of whiskies myself, and like you I'd rank this among the best.
Your reviews are great! So well articulated and no rambling. Excellent. Always sharp and to the point.
Thanks! I try to keep things concise here. 🥃
Top 5 drams i had for sure. I guess Dronach 21 and 18 are fighting with Bunna 18 for me for #1. The 12 is fantastic but bunna 18 is so damn fine! Cheers
It's awesome stuff!
While a lot of whiskies can diminish in quality over time. Bunnahabain holds its own and towers above the rest. The Bunnahabhain 18 is my favorite un-peated 18 and for the price it just cannot be beat. The nuances in this whisky are spectacular. It punches way above its weight.
I have always had the Bunna 18 on my shelves for one of those evenings when you treat yourself. I don't think the older bottlings were better, different perhaps.
Great review and you might have given Bunnahabhain an idea for a superbowl Ad. Great review for a masterpiece of whisky.
Cheers!
Hah yeah I'm expecting the Bunna marketing team to be reaching out to me any day now.
Masterpiece is a loaded word, and one that I agree applies to this whisky. One of my favourite core range expressions from any distillery.
@@Gwhisky Oh, this one is definitely a masterpiece! Deserves its place amongst the pantheon of other great 18 year olds. Arran 18, Glenlivet 18 (43%), Springbank 18 (if only it could be affordable), Longmorn 18, Glendronach 18 (Billy walker bottles) and a few others.
Btw, I could not help myself pouring a dram of the Bunna 18 as I watched your review. What a dram! Cheers!
I wish I could be able to identify all those flavors and aromas like you, but at least I know when my palate loves what it tastes, likes it very much, just likes, it’s ok, doesn’t like or wants to vomite. This is really earthy and salty and I certainly love it after tasting it from a sample.
Again cool video, I don’t know where you sit, but here in middle Europe it’s pretty expensive with around 130-140€. But love it too, purchased it for my birthday half a year ago
Yeah it's ts pretty expensive, but I think it's one of those whiskies that's worth the money. We pay more but we get more. Not a bad birthday treat! 😉
The Bunna 18 sounds amazing, but it's still way too expensive where I am to justify it ($270 nzd! and the 12 is only $86 nzd... and also it's only $150nzd for the Arran 18, which I would put in the same league at this.)
However, I did get a Bunna 'Signatory' 2009 / 11YO at a whopping 68.2% aged only in first-fill sherry casks for only $170, which I am loving!
Thanks for the review!
Yeah the prices for this bottle waver a lot internationally, and unfortunately it looks like you're one of the unlucky ones. $270 nzd is a lot!
I prefer the Bunna 18 to the Arran 18, but only a little. Certainly nowhere near enough to justify that gap in price!
That Signatory sounds like a hell of a dram! Cheers Phil!
@@Gwhisky Yeah true,.I will definitely be keeping an eye out now, if they import it at a price closer to the Arran 18 though. I'm super curious to try it! It's weird how prices can vary like that.
Ha it is! It's like a sherry nuclear bomb 😅
Cheers! 🥃
great whisky...idea for next review classic laddie or Talisker 10
Great review!! Definitely on my bucket list! I would like you to review some old classics like Lagavulin 16, Highland Park 18, or something from Glenfarclass. Keep it up!!
Thanks Juan! I've got the Laga 16 on my shelf at the moment. I'll likely get around to that one in the near future.
Great Review with a even greater Whisky!
I LOVE the Bunna 18yo 👌🏼
Obvs I agree. Amazing stuff. Cheers! 🥃
I was checking a local store and the new US price for this is $500 dollars. The cheapest locally for me is $260 for stock purchased last year that happens to be still sitting in another stores shelves. I’m speechless.
That's absurd. Way too much! 🥃
Finally got a bottle of this on Thursday. Was going to save it up for a special occasion but what the heck. I cracked it open this afternoon and had a taste alongside the Bunna 12 for a comparision. I like the 12 and the 18 is clearly in the same family, but more refined and deeper. Loved it. Looking forward to continuing to taste it over the coming weeks/months - I find that some whiskies continue to evolve in the bottle once you open them up and I suspect it will be the same with this.
It's a beauty, and it's one that absolutely takes time to explore. A personal favourite. Glad you're enjoying it, Des! 🥃
Nice video. One of my all time favorites. I have one of the older bottles and its great. Rumors say it has 20+ year whisky in the bottle.
One of my favourites as well. 20+ years eh? That wouldn't surprise me. You can definitely taste a fair amount of well-aged stock in this.
Have yet to try, but have been looking for it in my area for 6 months. Love the 12, can’t wait to try this…someday…somewhere…somehow.
Good luck man! It's amazing stuff!
Great review, great score. Will get it . Just cracked a Moine Bordeaux 2013, what a monster, Huge. Agree with your Islay ranking. We are spoilt.
Man those Moine releases... mixed bag, but they can be really epic!
Beautiful. Came across an old bottle for less than the new ones. Makes a great impression in the 18 lineup.
Nice! I haven't seen an older version around for ages. I remember it being incredible. Enjoy Jack!
I just bought one! Not opened yet. I love sherried malts, hope I don't be disappointed. It costs here in Finland €160.
Oof expensive. I hope you find it worth it! 🥃
@@Gwhisky , scotch whiskies are quite expensive here. But i think it's worth it😅
Your review of this whiskey has me wanting to go get one lol just wish it was higher abv for nearly $200. I just picked up the Port Charlotte OLC:01 2010 for nearly the same price at cask strength. Different whiskey but both islay so how you think they stack up next to each other?
Incredibly different. This has no (or negligible) peat in it. It's a sophisticated, earthy sherried 18 year old.
Hey Gwhisky, I had a chance to sample some Bunnahabhain 18 from a cigar bar and absolutely loved it. Probably the best scotch I’ve had to date. Unfortunately it’s nowhere to be found where I live and online I’ve found it at whiskey exchange with a price of $186 with the shipping to Arizona. Is the 18 still worth it you think or would there be another whiskey near $200 that might be available to me that you’d recommend? I really the Smokey scotches but also enjoy some speysides. The Craigellachie 13 is a great one I saw you give some high praise last year. Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.
To be honest it should be cheaper, but I can't say it's a whisky that isn't worth spending good money on. It's a personal favourite. Although it's a totally different flavour profile, I would also recommend the Ledaig 18, which tends to be cheaper and more widely available. That one's much more peated, but it's an amazing 18 year old at a good price. Cheers!
@@Gwhisky Thanks for the reply!
Greatest whisky of all time. Even better than the 25. I managed to get my hands on the old 18. It’s even better, not sure how that’s even possible.
It is amazing stuff. 🥃
Hey G, should I buy this or the 12 Cask Strength?
I can get one or the other
Oof. Tough call, my two favourite Bunnas. I still prefer the 18, although the 12 CS is better bang-for-buck value. 🥃
A real gem) but unfortunately, can't find it in our region. 12 years expression is on of my favorites
Bunnahabhain 12 is beautiful too.
Yeah the 12 is awesome stuff. Good luck getting the 18 man. Hopefully it finds its way to your market!
Nice description
On it / buying it , sounds perfect for my taste ya do get a bit fed up with whiskies with a heavy sweet Sherry over-coat ,
let’s have some punch some spice some character , sounds excellent 👍
A very theatrical description sir 🤣!!
Great review 👍🥃
Hah, well now the pressure's on. Really hope you like it as much as I do! Cheers Allan! Keen to hear your thoughts on it!
I had wondered why it was that I liked Bunna 18 so much more than the various other sherried scotches I had had at that point, and after some conversation, figured out it just came down to higher quality casks. There's certainly more tannins and more complexities in the 18, compared to something like Balvenie's sherried 15 which seemed very one note and saccharine to me. I even have an early 2019 batch Glendronach 18 (so actually 23-24 years old) and honestly, I still very well might prefer the Bunna 18. This all said though, I acknowledge my palate isn't as developed with sherried scotches as someone else's might be, but the point is Bunna 18 is and always has punched well above its weight, and where I am it's $155 which I would consider to be a phenomenal deal for a scotch of it's caliber.
Funnily enough the Ledaig 18 is the exact same price here and I would rank it similarly highly as far as scotches with very active sherry casks go- just this one happens to be peated and a very unique peat profile at that.
@@Qrbrbrbl Very well put. I think if you're not a "sherry guy" like I am, the Bunna 18 is a great ambassador for high-quality sherried whisky. It doesn't overwhelm with sweetness like others do!
Btw... Ledaig 18 is a favourite of mine, too. A truly excellent 18 year old!
I consider this bottle every time I visit the liquor store, and I’ll buy it eventually. I love the standard 12 year and the 12 year cask strength, but the 18 year is well north of $100:here, so I hope it’s worth the price. UPDATE: bought it ($153) and it actually reminds me a LOT of Glendronach 15. Now that's a good thing for me, because I love Glendronach 15, and while it's less expensive, I can't find it anywhere here in Maine or New Hampshire.
Glad you like it. Personally I find the sweetness and earthiness more appealing in this vs. the Glendronach. Cheers! 🥃
I’m a big Bunnahabhain fan, though I’ve not yet had the 18. It’s infrequently available where I am, and when it does appear, it’s priced around $160 USD plus tax.
You make a strong argument for my eventually forking over the cash, however.
Amazing stuff. $160 is steep, but the quality can back it up imo.
@@Gwhisky I’ll definitely pick it up one day. The last time I spent that much on a single bottle was for a Longrow Red (13 year old cabernet matured) and, I hate to say, it was worth it!
Bunnahabhain XII, XVIII & XXV.
These three allow me to appreciate sherry cask whisky.
The new Bunnahabhain 18 price keep rising up in my region, wish to try it one day and compare to the old version.
I'd love to do that comparison too!
If i haven't tried Bunna 18yo, I MUST put it on top of my buying list after watching this review! IMO Bunna 12/18yo are not strong character type; they're great for balance, which is why it may not be top 1 but definitely go into top 10 best 12/18yo list on many other reviewers' ranking.
I do like Bunna 12/18yo, but have never tried 25 yo. Do you think it is very different from 18yo?
Like you I've never had the 25, but I've heard it's amazing. That will be one for me to buy when I'm a rich and famous UA-camr! 😉
Great review, as always - it sounds like a must-buy! Would be interesting to know if the average price I can find it for (approx £115/ $160) is on par with your mid-range assessment?
That's a bit pricey by my standards, but I'm very fortunate to live in one of the world's cheapest whisky markets. Still an amazing bottle and worth it if you want to treat yourself!
@@Gwhisky Ok cheers, might bide my time and keep an eye out for offers!
I have a bottle of Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair (unopened) in my collection. I bought it before I decided that age statement was a better choice. I'd love to try that 18-year old.
I've never had the Stiuireadair. The age stated stuff is always good, but the NAS can be hit or miss. Curious how you'll feel about that one, I've been considering trying it myself!
@@Gwhisky Okay. Well, my youngest son Greg is paying a state visit this weekend. Here's the deal: I'll open that bottle of Striuireadair with him and next week, I'll give you my tasting notes. Being NAS, I'm expecting it to be very young.
@@sunryse111 Great! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this stuff!
@@Gwhisky My son paid his visit, Geoff, and we opened two fresh bottles from my collection. First off was the Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair. It was what you would expect of a NAS bottling from this distillery -nothing special in the nose and taste, probably because it has a lot of young spirit in it - although still a nice whisky. But for both of us, it was the finish that took us by surprise: a great briny, sea-salt hit that we both loved. We poured a generous measure and made it last. I would definitely recommend you try this one. Good value for money. Then, I opened a bottle of Elijah Craig ...
@@sunryse111 Interesting! I'll keep an eye out for that one. I haven't had the best luck with some of these Bunnas, but that finish sounds nice! Thanks for following up and I hope you enjoyed your son's visit!
I just opened this bottle today and I’m turned off by the heavy nuttiness. Does that tame down after the bottle breathes after a couple weeks or months? And is the even the note I’m picking up? I was thinking could be toffee as well.
I don't think there was ever a point that I disliked this stuff, but I can tell you that the ones I've had opened up beautifully, and that it might be closed initially.
This whiskey has opened up beautifully wow it’s delicious now
@@mugatu101286 Awesome!
@@Gwhisky can you imagine if it was cask strength? I feel like that’s all it’s missing.
This really sounds like a must have. I’ve had my eye on it for years. First off , it’s not available often. Hard to find even. I know a store with it but it goes for a whopping $170. It’s always been one of the priciest 18 yr olds. Several years ago it was @ $120 or so. just can’t justify that much at this time. So sad.
Totally understandable. Shame that it's gone up in price so much over there. $120 would have been a steal for this!
@@Gwhisky yeah, that was a missed opportunity. Didn’t know anything about bunnahabhain back then. Good to know it’s still great stuff if I ever buy it.
@@SaltyCuban I hope you come across it at a fair price someday. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it if/when that happens!
@@Gwhisky Ok, i had an idea. I took my last bottle of Glengoyne 18 and turned it in at a Total wine and paid the difference of $30 to get the Bunnahabhain 18. So there finally got it. Also pulled the trigger on the Victoriana for $95.
@@SaltyCuban Pressure's on now. Hope they don't disappoint!
SOLD!
I prefer d old bottling of Bunna 18,really great whisky!
I loved the old 18, too. It's just been too long for me to compare.
great Geoff got a good batch of Bunna 18 year. Ralfy and Just Whisky on youtube reviewed the Bunna 18 recently and it was found to be meh.
This bottle was from a few years back. I haven't tried a more recent batch, so I don't know the current state of Bunna 18. But yeah this bottle was one of my favourites.
I wish, I wish,* (*don’t want to use up all three) that I could make myself enjoy the 12yo. Try as I might, it does nothing for me.
It currently sits on my cabinet, but is on the short list of not to be replaced…… it’s weird when everyone tells you something is so good, but you just can’t get into it. Like arriving at a party sober, when everyone else is in the swing of things. Therefore, there is no way I’d lay out the Au$275 it’s costs for the 18yo, where I live.
Sorry to hear you're not a fan of the 12, but I respect that you're honest to yourself and others about what you do and don't like. And of course if you're not a fan of the 12, definitely don't buy the 18. They share some common characteristics. Cheers Howard!
I know that feeling! Remember when I tried Bunna12 and Talisker10, just didn't get it. But one year after, I'm a huge fan for both distilleries. I guess keep trying different whiskys make my palate more sensible and getting more. I mean, just choose what you like, and equally important to try others preference, maybe something will change!
I know how you feel. I love the peated Islays. Most people will tell you Lagavulin is the king of the peated Islays yet of all the peated Islays I have had, it's almost last on my list. The only one I like less is actually the Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dhà. I'll take a Laphroaig or Port Charlotte over Lagavulin any day. Even an Ardbeg or Caol Ila
Seems you fav less-sherry whisky. Laphroaig10, Port Charlotte10, Ardbeg10 or Caol Ila12 are bourbon-forward style.
Ha ha as you I like bourbon barrel style first, but now I gradually move into a sherry guy.
@@dairyyang5457 Yes... come to the dark side (literally). 😂
I’ve never had a Bunnahanhabin :(. It’s in my list but I always find a bottle harder to get so I pass
You're missing out! I'd start with the 12 as it's affordable and widely available.
Ya it’s a real winner. 25 even better.
I've yet to try it but I hear good things!
Is 160€ a lot from this whisky?
I think that's too high. Amazing stuff, but thats almost double what I pay here in Taiwan.
@@Gwhisky I remember when I first time bought lagavulin 16yo few years it was like ~80€ but today it is 96€ I don't know if you have seen there such price increases in various bottles? most of the "cheap" stuff is usually 20-30€ more here.
In Bulgaria I have to pay minimum of around 137 euros for a bottle of this, which is times three the price of the 12 yo. So for the time being it's a pass for me.
Yeah it's pricey in some places. Hopefully someday you come across it at a more reasonable price.
It really is a gem and is about as good as an unpeated Scotch gets IMHO. You can easily spend several times more, hundreds and hundreds more, and not find something as special & enjoyable ✌️
Agree. I have several more expensive whiskies on the go that don't come close to this one.
Little bit too rich for me to try at £141 in the Highland capital.
That's absolutely fair. This is very pricey in the UK. It's about £85 here, so I'm quite lucky. 🥃
I never understand, the nonsense of all the flavors like you name a ton a stuff like berries, Soil and autumn leaves. Like what in the world are you talking about. I had this bottle a few times. The best way to describe the taste is oak, you get a punch of oak on the plate and the finish is peppery. That’s it lol it’s a good bottle and has a very unique taste because the oak is very strong!
Also thank you for the reviews, just try and keep it simple! You can’t possibly be getting all those taste on the plate!
Too rich for my blood... 200 quid.. Nosireebob.. A Spingbank 15.. A Clynelish 14.. And 50 yoyos to spare... I like me drop but this is O. T T. Price wise..
Wow. In TX the Bunna 18 cost the same as Springbank 15. About $110 USD
Yeah the prices for this stuff vary wildly. Sorry to hear it's so expensive there. £200 is way more than it should be.
Bunnahabhain 18,d old bottling IS epic,not this..
Nope. Still epic.
@@Gwhisky Lucky you to be living in whisky paradise,Taiwan,Cheers!
@@victorsia1434 I'm very lucky indeed. Cheers Victor! 🥃