Bunnahabhain 12 years old version 1 Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40%

Another batch of the same discontinued label, this time bottled at 40% – the strength many whiskies carried before 40% became a minimum requirement rather than a standard.

Expert's Description

Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old Old Version 1 is a Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky from the 1980s, bottled at 40%.

Like the rest of the Westering Home series, this bottle dates from before Bunnahabhain settled its range around the 46.3% known today. At 40%, this is the mildest of the discontinued old version bottlings in this delivery.

It's a bottle for the collector who wants to line up several batches of the same historic label and taste the difference between them.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Gentle sea air and a hint of peat, backed by oily malt.

Palate

Round and oily with nuts, light fruit and a classic malty sweetness.

Finish

Medium length and malty with a calm, dry finish.

Specifications

Distillery: Bunnahabhain
Region/Country: Scotland (Islay)
Type: Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Distillation Method: Double Distilled
Edition: Old Version 1 – Westering Home

Flavour Profile

Maritime · Oily · Soft · Classic

Investment Potential

High – another discontinued 1980s batch of the Westering Home label, no longer in production.

Did You Know?

This batch is bottled a couple of percentage points lower than its sister bottle from the same series, giving collectors a rare chance to compare two old version bottlings side by side.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old Old Version 1

What's the difference between this and its sister bottle Old Version?

This batch is bottled at 40% versus its sister bottle's 43%, giving a slightly softer character in the glass.

Why is the strength only 40%?

At the time, 40% was the legal minimum strength for Scotch whisky, and this batch of the Westering Home series was bottled exactly there.

Is it smoky?

Only lightly – a hint of peat supports the oily malt and the gentle sea air.

Does it suit a collector?

Yes, especially for collectors wanting to compare several batches of the same historic Westering Home label.

What does the name Westering Home mean?

It comes from Islay's national song and graced Bunnahabhain's labels for decades before the distillery modernised its design.

Is it worth it at the lower strength?

Even at a lower strength than its sister bottle, it remains a discontinued 1980s bottling from a period the distillery no longer produces, which keeps it interesting for collectors.