Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair (NAS)

 

Finally - a Bunnahabhain I love! I respect the 12 year and Toiteach, but this bottle... I loved. It's no age statement (meaning: very, very young), and matured in a mix of first- and second-fill sherry casks (almost certainly it's predominantly second-fill), no chill-filtration, no coloring, bottled at a nice 46.3% ABV. Gaelic note: the name means "Helmsman" and refers to the man at the wheel on every bottle of Bunnahabhain. Apparently this will partially replace the 12 Year in stores. Let's see what I found: 

Nose: Wow, so nice - thick waves of caramel and chocolate, subtle brine, wispy thin rings of smoke, malt, and musty spices. After some time in the glass, sherry emerges, but gently; also with more time in the glass, the caramel and chocolate give way to the more coastal elements. Very attractive nose. 

Mouthfeel: Oily, medium body. 

Palate: Follows the nose but opens up quite a bit. Caramel, dried sherry fruit, chocolate, soft brine, black pepper and oak. Orange oil. Old leather. 

Finish: Really nice finish - red fruit, charry oak, very light smoke, more chocolate. Well balanced, lasts a good while. Very pleasant. 

Verdict: I really, really liked this. A coastal caramel, a chocolate smoke, a sherried spice - all married and balanced well to each other. Everything was delicious, it's affordable, and I only wish I knew the age - but c'est la vie. Highly recommended.