Bunnahabhain Mòine 11 Year (2011) Thompson Bros.

Review by: The Muskox

Here’s a classic peated Bunnahabhain. I’ve heard from the distillery that they’re cutting back on their peated distillations to focus on their classic unpeated style. That’s a shame.

I have to mention the artwork on the label – the 90s-technicolour VR bro is an interesting choice.

Distillery: Bunnahabhain.

Bottler: Thompson Bros.

Region: Islay.

ABV: 57%. Cask strength.

Age: 11 years. Distilled in 2011. Bottled in 2023.

Cask type: First-fill bourbon barrel.

Price: N/A, sample.

Color: 0.2, Pale straw. Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered.

Nose: Pungent peat, earthy but with freshness on top. Wet hay, river stones, asphalt and gentle citrus. Savoury spice notes of turmeric and cumin. The combination of grass and light vanilla sweetness remind me of reposado tequila. Some cool meatiness too, maybe sliced herbed roast beef.

Palate: Medium light texture. Soft and sweet arrival, with thick honey, charred marshmallow, and tangerine, as well as spicier notes of black pepper and sage. Stays fresh and bright through the development with sharp peat smoke and rice vinegar, but getting more robust with more roast beef, walnuts, leather, and dry earth.

Finish: Medium-short, starts nutty with walnuts and celery seed but lightens up quickly to lemon-lime soda. Lingering birch bark smoke.

Possible SMWS bottling name: “Sprite on a hot tin roof”

Conclusion: A bare-bones but very fine peaty dram with zero bells and only a couple whistles. The particular combo of earth, hay, nuts, and citrus seems very typically Moine, so this is a great example of that style. I’d recommend searching this out if you’re a fan of Lagavulin 8. Me personally, I think I prefer the wine-cask Moines, as that earthiness stands up so well to a sweeter cask.

Final Score: 82.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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