Some whiskies arrive with a splash, while others roll in like the tide. Bunnahabhain’s newest limited release manages to do both.

The Islay distillery has officially brought An Cuan Garbh No. 1 to the United States, giving American Scotch fans a chance to experience the second chapter in its annual Westering Home Collection. If you’re the kind of whisky enthusiast who enjoys collecting limited releases, or simply likes discovering something a little different, this bottle is worth keeping an eye out for.

The name An Cuan Garbh translates to “The Rough Sea,” and that’s fitting because this release is all about the journey. While the first whisky in the series focused on setting out, this one captures the unpredictable crossing itself. Thankfully, the only rough seas you’ll encounter are in the storytelling. The whisky itself sounds remarkably smooth.

Bunnahabhain, long admired for its distinctive unpeated Islay style, started with a 15-year-old single malt matured in traditional oak before giving it a finishing period in White Port casks from Portugal’s Douro Valley. White Port isn’t something you see every day in Scotch maturation, and here it’s used more like a supporting actor than the star of the show. Rather than overpowering the whisky, it brightens the fruit notes while letting Bunnahabhain’s signature coastal character continue to shine.

Expect aromas of honeysuckle, elderflower and orchard fruit, followed by flavors of peach, apricot, candied lemon zest, toasted malt and honeyed almonds. The finish lingers with warming spice, subtle nuttiness and just enough maritime salinity to remind you this whisky spent its life aging beside the sea.

Master Blender Julieann Fernandez says each release in the Westering Home Collection represents a different stage of a journey around Islay, with this edition exploring the contrast between the unpredictable sea and the steady patience required to mature great whisky. It’s a clever concept that gives collectors something to anticipate each year while still delivering a bottle that stands well on its own.

Bottled at a healthy 51.6% ABV (103.2 proof), An Cuan Garbh No. 1 doesn’t shy away from bold flavors, but the tasting notes suggest balance rather than brute strength. That’s often where Bunnahabhain shines, delivering complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Only a limited number of bottles are headed to the U.S. this month, with a suggested retail price of $204.99. That places it firmly in the special-occasion category for most whisky drinkers, though collectors of Islay single malts will likely view it as another compelling chapter in Bunnahabhain’s evolving story.

One thing is certain … this latest voyage from Islay is already making plenty of waves on American shores.