Bunnahabhain Feis Ile editions: Moine Amontillado Finish and 2002 Madeira Finish
Award-winning Bunnahabhain single malt whisky is proud to introduce two new limited-edition expressions to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the world-famous Feis Ile festival on Islay – the Moine Amontillado Finish and 2002 Madeira Finish.
2002 Madeira Finish
While physical celebrations are on hold due to social distancing guidelines, Bunnahabhain will debut the exceptional new expressions to whisky fans across the globe, with a special ‘Feis-at-Home’ virtual tasting to recreate the warm Islay festival atmosphere.
The first of the festival editions is the Bunnahabhain Moine Amontillado Finish, a 2010 peated single malt (56.9% ABV), matured in the iconic coastal warehouses on Bunnahabhain Bay, and finished in the finest Amontillado sherry hogshead casks. Limited to 1658 bottles, and inspired by the welcoming nature of Feis Ile, this warming dram dances with sweet, peppery flavour – recreating that inviting atmosphere of the Islay festival.
The amber gold whisky has unique notes of peppery peat, spicy oak and vanilla custard on the nose, with fresh espresso, dried apple and dusty cocoa on the palate, and a long peppery finish, packed with rick oak and roasted nuts.
The Bunnahabhain 2002 Madeira Finish is a non-peated single malt (53% ABV), matured for 18 years in Bunnahabhain’s shore-front warehouse and slumbering for its final three years in Madeira sherry hogshead casks. With only 1164 bottles available, this unique flavour was crafted for celebrating a unique occasion, which feels particularly appropriate now – and delivers a symphony of sweet, creamy flavour to taste.
The burnished copper single malt with its standout Madeira Finish has notes of sweet ripe figs and creamy berries on the nose, vanilla and caramelised fruit on the palate, and with a dry but warm finish, fading into a sweet lingering marmalade.
Our festival editions always bring the team’s talent and craft to the fore with something a bit different, and this year’s expressions are truly special.
We couldn’t have imagined that they would be released without a festival taking place this year. Though these limited-edition single malts pay homage to the magic of Feis Ile, so even if you can’t be there in person, now everyone can take a little slice of that home. Until we raise a dram with you again in person next year!
– Andrew Brown: Distillery Manager at Bunnahabhain
Moine Amontillado Finish
Bunnahabhain is Islay’s most remote distillery, overlooking a notorious passage of ocean known by seafarers as the sound of Islay. Bunnahabhain, which is Gaelic for ‘mouth of the river’, goes against the grain – quite literally – from the other distilleries on the island – with a portfolio made up of broadly non-peated expressions.
These superior whiskies sold out in under 24 hours, marking the first ever ‘virtual’ Feis Ile. Bunnahabhain donated 10% of all product sales to The BEN – in aid of Scottish hospitality industry workers affected by Covid-19.
Bunnahabhain’s virtual ‘Feis at Home’ events will also take place on Friday the 29th of May:-
A virtual tasting and panel discussion of two new festival editions will take place at at 8pm (BST)
Live streams from the distillery on Islay will take place at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6.30pm (BST)
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About Bunnahabhain:
Established in 1881 and situated on Islay’s most northerly point, Bunnahabhain is the island’s most remote distillery, overlooking a notorious passage of ocean known by seafarers as the sound of Islay. It has long established links to the sea, previously only accessible by boat – with ships loaded up daily before transporting their important whisky cargo back to the mainland for sale.
The word ‘Bunnahabhain’ is actually Gaelic for ‘mouth of the river’ referring to the Margadale River, its source of pure spring water which is distilled in the island’s tallest stills to create the renowned malts. It’s the use of pure spring water that is piped to the distillery which gives it its unique light colouring which sets it apart from other darker liquids on the Islay landscape.
The distillery goes against the grain – quite literally – with a portfolio made up of broadly non-peated expressions, however, its peated Toiteach A Dhà expression recently won in the Scotch Islay: No Age Statement category at this year’s World Whiskies Awards. Bunnahabhain took home a further four titles in the 2020 awards ranging from silver to gold certificates – showcasing the calibre of its range.
Bunnahabhain is available to buy from these Merchants:-
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