Sips & Sites & Bites

Whisky fans, take note … Bunnahabhain is back with something special. After taking 2024 off, the distillery has returned with the 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2025 Edition, and it’s already making waves among those who love their Islay drams bold, balanced, and straight from the cask.

For those who don’t know, Bunnahabhain sits on the remote northern tip of Islay, where sea spray meets salt air and whisky casks quietly mature in coastal warehouses. The distillery has built its reputation on being a little different from its peat-heavy island neighbors … unpeated, sherried, and endlessly complex.

The 2025 release is bottled at a hearty 56.4% ABV (112.8 proof) and is a true showcase of Bunnahabhain’s signature style, turned up a notch. Master Blender Julieann Fernandez hand-selected the casks, focusing mostly on second-fill Oloroso sherry barrels, with a few first-fill and refill casks for just the right balance. The result? A whisky that’s a touch lighter and more structured than previous editions, with a whisper of sea air and spice that’s pure Islay.

In the glass, it’s deep gold … a warm glow that promises flavor. On the nose, expect golden raisins, apricots, and toasted nuts, touched by a floral lift. The palate follows through with malty sweetness, dried fruit, hazelnuts, and soft oak, while the finish lingers with oak spice, cocoa, and a hint of sea salt … a nod to its maritime home.

As Fernandez puts it, “One of the greatest joys for me as a Master Blender is tasting a whisky in its purest form directly from cask, and it brings me real pleasure to share that experience.” And that’s exactly what this release delivers … the unfiltered, non-chill-filtered, no-color-added essence of Bunnahabhain.

Retailing at $148.99 (700ml), this small-batch gem won’t sit on shelves for long. Whether you’re a cask-strength devotee, a collector hunting for something truly authentic, or just someone who loves a whisky that tells its story honestly, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2025 Edition deserves a spot in your glass.

Available now in the U.S. at select retailers and online at bunnahabhain.com.