Bunnahabhain Distillery,Islay

Bunnahabhain is an Islay distillery that was established in 1881. Pronounced 'Boo-na-ha-ven' and meaning 'mouth of the river', Bunnahabhain is accessible along a winding road off the main road to Port Askaig. Its distillery is set round a courtyard in a style that resembles a château in Bordeaux. Despite expansion in 1963 the distillery is little changed.

Bunnahabhain is sometimes referred to as "the Islay whisky without the Islay character." Due to it being less peaty than other Islay malts Its light colour (for an Islay) is attributable to the fact that the spring water is drawn before it runs "over and through" the well-known Islay malt. This quality is further enhanced by the distillery practice of taking only a very narrow cut from the second distillation. The distinctive oiliness of the Bunnahabhain malt is due to the short-necked stills utilised.

Bunnahabhain is described as being sweeter than the other Islays, with a smooth initial palate and long full finish. Lighter than the Islay style, with a full round flavour.