Bunnahabhain XVIII 18 Years Old 43% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (88)

I always liked the 18, it’s nicely balanced and a good high-end all-rounder. Let’s check this newer batch. Colour: dark gold. Nose: starts on caramel, honey and a mild spiciness, developing mostly on orange blossom water, pastries, croissant au beurre and a faint Irishness (ripe bananas). Also faintly vinous (some sherry?) An elegant nose. Cinnamon. Mouth: maltier attack, notes of cornflakes, maple syrup (no breakfast malt though), honey, dried figs, tea… It’s rather big at 43%, and very good. Finish: long, honeyed, with some pepper in the aftertaste. Comments: just as good and perfectly balanced as I recalled. I don’t quite understand why some punters sometimes overlook this very nice – granted, in my view - 18.