Bunnahabhain Eirigh na Greine Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Isle of Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky is a complex marriage of vibrant Bunnahabhain single malts, including whiskies matured in ex-red wine casks from Italy and France. It is not a finishing process but an assemblage of different casks.
Age Statement: No specific age statement is provided, but the whisky is suggested to be older due to its complexity and lack of youthful characteristics.
ABV: 46.3%, indicating it is uncolored and unchill-filtered.
Color: Described as pale bronze, though the reviewer perceives it more as brass.
Bottle Design: The specific design details are not mentioned, but it includes a tube with batch information and tasting notes.

Nose: Roasted nuts, dried fruits, hints of sea salt and smoke, with the sweet, rich, and spicy aromas from the Italian and French red wine casks.
Palate: Rich dried fruits, toasted hazelnuts, candy sweets, butterscotch, marzipan, rose syrup, ripe cherries, prunes, apricots, orange marmalade, with subtle hints of rich cocoa and spicy oakiness.
Finish: Warm, nutty, and spicy.
Overall: The whisky is described as vibrant, intense, and satisfyingly smooth, with a tantalizing fusion of flavors that differ from the typical smoky Islay malts.

The name "Eirigh na Greine" is Gaelic for "morning sky," referring to the red glow of the morning sky, which is a nod to the red wine cask maturation process.
The Gaelic names and the local dialects of Scotland are highlighted, emphasizing the cultural heritage of the whisky.

The whisky is from the Isle of Islay, known for its peaty and smoky whiskies. However, Bunnahabhain Eirigh na Greine showcases a different side of Islay whisky, focusing on the island's coastal characteristics without the dominant peat smoke.

"The nose of Bunnahabhain is different" - highlighting its unique profile among Islay malts.
"This is wonderful for Islay because they are able to bring out those young and vibrant and intense whiskies without bringing you the youthness and this metallic note." - praising the distillery's ability to produce complex whiskies without the typical signs of youth.

Bunnahabhain Eirigh na Greine is a complex single malt from Islay, matured in ex-red wine casks from Italy and France.
It features a rich and vibrant flavor profile with notes of dried fruits, nuts, sea salt, smoke, and wine cask influences.
The whisky stands out for its lack of typical Islay peat smoke, instead showcasing the island's coastal characteristics.
It is uncolored, unchill-filtered, and bottled at 46.3% ABV.
The name and production process pay homage to Scottish Gaelic culture and the natural beauty of the Isle of Islay.

For the Islay Enthusiast: Those who appreciate the diverse profiles of Islay whiskies beyond the typical peat smoke will find this expression intriguing.
For the Wine Cask Aficionado: Individuals who enjoy the complexity and richness imparted by wine cask maturation.
For the Experienced Whisky Drinker: The complexity and unique profile make it a must-try for those looking to explore different facets of Scotch whisky.