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There's something quietly rebellious about Bunnahabhain. While the rest of Islay shouts about peat, this remote distillery lets sherry and coastal character lead. The unpeated 12, their flagship, is rich and inviting: nutty dried fruit — raisins and figs — Christmas-cake spice and a whisper of coastal salt, all remarkably smooth at 46.3%. Proof Islay can do far more than peat bombs.
A Christmas present to myself: the Tobermory 12, an enchanting island single malt from the Isle of Mull. It's full of intricate, distinctive character — orchard fruit on the nose, then citrus brightened with caramel and vanilla over a slightly oily body, into a medium, gently spiced finish. The distillery's history has been anything but smooth, yet the whisky it makes today is excellent.
As a self-confessed non-peat enthusiast, I came to the Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask as much for its striking presentation as its promise. It's an intriguing clash: assertive Tobermory peat smoke meets the red-fruited sweetness of a Rioja finish, the smoke gradually stepping back to let the wine lead, into a long, satisfying finish. Unexpected, characterful — and one of the best-value drams I've found.
Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair (roughly 'stew-rah-dur') is a captivating, unpeated Islay malt whose dark glass gives nothing away. Inside is real maritime character: a briny, coastal nose smoothed by vanilla, caramel and dried fruit, a palate of salted caramel turning creamy and nutty, and a warming, sea-spray finish. Widely available at £30–40, it's distinctive, delicious and genuinely great value — a personal favourite.
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