Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair Single Islay Malt Whisky 46,3%

"Stiùireadair" means helmsman in Scottish Gaelic, a nod to the distillery's life on the edge of the Sound of Islay, where the tide toward Jura demands a steady hand.

Expert's Description

Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair is a Single Islay Malt Whisky matured in a combination of first- and second-fill sherry casks and bottled at 46.3%.

The whisky is assembled from older, seasoned sherry casks, giving it a round, soft character without drowning out the distillery's core light, maritime style. It shows Bunnahabhain's unpeated side rather than the island's more familiar peat smoke.

Stiùireadair is meant as a permanent fixture in the range and a fine introduction to how Bunnahabhain sounds when the sherry cask is allowed to speak the loudest.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dried fruit, caramel and vanilla with a touch of salty sea air.

Palate

Creamy and balanced with burnt sugar, raisins, toasted nuts and a hint of spice.

Finish

Long and soft with warm spices, sherry sweetness and a maritime edge.

Specifications

Distillery: Bunnahabhain
Region/Country: Scotland (Islay)
Type: Single Islay Malt Whisky
ABV: 46.3%
Size: 70 CL
Cask Type: First- and Second-Fill Sherry Casks
Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
Natural Colour: Yes
Distillation Method: Double Distilled
EAN No.: 5029704218639

Flavour Profile

Sherry-Matured · Soft · Maritime · Creamy

Did You Know?

The name honours the distillery's location at the end of a single-track road on the Sound of Islay, where the tidal current between Islay and Jura has demanded skilled helmsmen for centuries.

See our full range of Bunnahabhain

Listen to our podcast:

Frequently Asked Questions about Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair

What does Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair taste like?

Dried fruit, caramel and vanilla on the nose, while the palate is creamy with burnt sugar, raisins and toasted nuts.

Is this whisky smoky?

No, it shows Bunnahabhain's unpeated, sherry-matured side and is a fine choice for those who want Islay without peat smoke.

What does the name Stiùireadair mean?

It means helmsman in Scottish Gaelic and honours the distillery's location on the strong tidal current of the Sound of Islay.

What casks is it matured in?

A combination of first- and second-fill sherry casks, which give it the round, soft character.

Does it suit someone new to whisky?

Yes, the soft style and the absence of smoke make it a fine introduction, both to Bunnahabhain and to Islay whisky in general.

Is it worth it as an everyday dram?

The round sherry character and the solid 46.3% make it a good choice if you want depth without paying for a single cask or high age.