Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach

Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach, NAS, 46,3 %

The Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach (pronounced ‘kyaw-bin-och’) is a new release from the Islay distillery Bunnahabhain. It is a limited release, matured in bourbon casks, bottled in 2014. The name Ceòbanach means ‘smoky mist’ in Scots Gaelic.

The Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach will be released for sale in Norway on March 6 at NOK 700 (2056401). It is also available to buy in Sweden at SEK 679 (40450). Please note that the name is misspelled on the Systembolaget site, they call it Ceòbanagh.

Nose (22/25): Chocolate mousse, dark chocolate mixed with mild citrus notes, sweet ashes, mild maritime notes. A lovely and rich nose - peaty, sweet and with a touch of salt.

Taste (22/25): More peppery and spicy to taste, but there's still plenty of peat, ashes, citrus and chocolate. Rich mouth-feel.

Finish (22/25): The chocolate returns in full on the finish, while the warm ashes and smoke are pushed into the background. Vanilla, white pepper, sea salt and a mild fruitiness. Rich and sweet, warm and long.

Balance (22/25): I love peaty Bunnahabhain. I am a big fan of the Bunnahabhain Toiteach, which is a bit rough and feisty. The Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach is not as heavily peated, I think, and has a deeper sweetness to it.

Score (88/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas