Discovering Bunnahabhain Distillery: The Heart of Islay’s Unique Single Malts

Bunnahabhain Distillery – pronounced Bu-nah-hav-en – is located on the picturesque northern shores of Islay. This tiny island in the Scottish Hebrides is steeped in history, tradition, and, above all, an unwavering dedication to whisky craftsmanship.

Since its founding in 1881, Bunnahabhain has produced exceptional whisky, minus a few periods of closure and revival over the years. But, unlike many of Islay's nine distilleries, which are known for their intensely peated expressions, Bunnahabhain takes a different approach. The distillery has carved out a distinctive identity by producing largely unpeated whiskies that pay homage to its coastal location.

The History of Bunnahabhain Distillery

Bunnahabhain's distillery was purposefully built near the Mull of Oa to take advantage of the pure spring water from the nearby Margadale River. As the location was so isolated, a cosy village was formed around the distillery to house workers.

In the distillery's early years, most of the whisky produced by Bunnahabhain was not bottled as a single malt (AKA whisky from one distillery, bottled on its own). Instead, it was used as an ingredient in blended Scotch whisky, such as Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark.

Back in the day, the distillery relied on ships for supplies, but that changed in 1960 when a road finally connected it to the rest of the island. Even so, tradition held strong on Islay – ship deliveries didn’t cease until 1993!

In 1982, the distillery sadly closed due to declining demand, although it wouldn't be long until it reopened in 1984. Following this, production was inconsistent until 2003, when Burn Stewart Distillers purchased the distillery, giving Bunnahabhain a new lease of life.

A Uniquely Unpeated Whisky

Following the reopening of the distillery, Bunnahabhain shifted its focus towards single malts, releasing aged expressions like the 12, 18, and 25-year-old whiskies. The distillery soon gained the recognition it deserved for its sublime unpeated and sherry whisky, and returned to its natural colour and no chill filtration.

Unlike many of its Islay counterparts (like Laphroaig or Ardbeg), known for their heavily peated and smoky whiskies, Bunnahabhain's core whisky range is either unpeated or very lightly peated. This makes it a unique and approachable Islay whisky – particularly for those wanting to expand their palate.

Bunnahabhain Distillery Tours

Looking to sharpen up your whisky knowledge? Bunnahabhain offers numerous tours and tastings for beginners and whisky connoisseurs alike.

The Production Tour gives you a backstage pass to the distillery. Enjoy an in-depth look into the whisky-making process with visits to the malt mill, mash tun, washbacks, and stills. Following the tour, you can sample two drams from Bunnahabhain’s core range in the Boathouse tasting room.

Or, if you’re less interested in the whisky-making process, but very keen on sampling, the Warehouse 9 tasting is one of Bunnahabhain's most sought-after experiences. You will be able to taste exclusive whiskies directly from the cask – a chance to sample the distillery’s more unique expressions.

Bunnahabhain: Top Picks

Bunnahabhain's core whisky range includes 12, 18, and 25 year old expressions, plus specialty offerings such as the uniquely coastal Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair. Not sure where to start? Here are The Whisky Stock's favourites:

• The Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is the best-known bottle in the distillery's core range. It received lots of praise upon its initial release, particularly because it is produced without chill filtering and contains no added colour, ensuring that it remains as natural as possible. In terms of taste, expect a smooth balance of sweet fruit, nuts, vanilla, and a hint of saltiness – a classic Islay whisky profile.

• The Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old’s extra years of aging means that the whisky develops a deep mahogany colour and a rich, complex flavour. Expect a warm and smooth drinking experience, with deep sherry sweetness, dried fruit, and toffee. There’s also a subtle touch of sea salt, reminding you of its coastal origins.

• The Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old offers a completely amplified experience. This whisky is beautifully smooth, rich, and well-balanced, with a warm, spiced oak character that gives it depth while keeping a silky, sweet finish. Expect flavours of sherry, caramel, berries, and cream, perfectly balanced with roasted nuts. It's an indulgent treat for whisky lovers.

• The Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair is the standout of the entire range. The name "Stiùireadair" means "helmsman" in Scots Gaelic; a tribute to the distillery’s maritime heritage. The whisky is matured in sherry casks, which infuse it with rich, sweet fruit flavours. The result? A complex whisky with hints of raisins and apricots, layered with the distinctive sea-salty freshness of the coast. Add a touch of water to your dram to help this whisky sing.

Ready to discover the distillery’s full range of whiskies? Head to The Whisky Stock’s Bunnahabhain collection to find your new favourite drink.