Bunnahbahain Feis Ile 2022 Whisky Sample Abhainn Araig (30ml, 50.8%)

Bunnahbahain Feis Ile 2022 Whisky Sample Abhainn Araig (30ml, 50.8%)

The Bunnahabhain Abhainn Araig (pronounced Av-an-ar-ig) was the unpeated star of the 2022 Fèis Ìle. Named after the river that provides the distillery with its pure water, this release is a fascinating "Sherry-bomb" with a twist.

It is a marriage of Bunnahabhain matured in rare Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry Octave casks. Octaves are much smaller than standard butts (roughly 1/8th the size), which creates a massive amount of wood-to-liquid contact, accelerating the maturation and intensifying the flavor.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Deeply aromatic and festive. It opens with dark chocolate, toasted nuts (walnuts and pecans), and sticky toffee pudding. The PX influence is massive, bringing notes of dried figs, dates, and sultanas. Beneath the fruit, there is a subtle, spicy layer of cinnamon and leather, with a faint, clean breath of fresh Islay sea air.

Palate: Viscous and mouth-coating—this is a "chewy" whisky. The arrival is a burst of velvety honey and milk chocolate. Mid-palate, it turns toward darker fruits: blackberries, raisins, and prunes. The octave casks provide a significant spicy grip, offering ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of clove. It manages to stay balanced despite the sweetness, thanks to the distillery's signature creamy, malty backbone.

Finish: Long, warming, and luxurious. It leaves a lingering trail of candied orange peel and coffee beans, fading into a final, dry touch of spicy oak and a hint of salt.

Why it's special 

• The Octave Effect: Because the casks are so small, the spirit "attacks" the wood. This results in a level of wood extraction that would take 25+ years in a large butt to achieve, giving this younger spirit an "antique" feel.

• The PX Sweetness: While Oloroso (used in the standard 12yo) is nutty and dry, PX is rich and syrupy. Abhainn Araig is significantly sweeter and "darker" than the core range.