You might not know this, but Bunnahabhain An Cladach means “The Shore” in Gaelic. Ok, let’s be honest, none of us knew that. However, it is an enticing single malt crafted at the renowned Bunnahabhain distillery on Islay. Released as a World Traveller Exclusive, An Cladach was designed with the adventurous whisky enthusiast in mind, celebrating the maritime spirit with its rich, ocean-inspired flavour profile. Unlike some of the heavily peated whiskies often associated with Islay, Bunnahabhain offers a unique and gentler interpretation of the island’s coastal essence. Let’s dive into what makes An Cladach an intriguing addition to the Bunnahabhain portfolio.
Appearance
In the glass, An Cladach presents a rich, dark amber colour with an inviting depth. This darker hue hints at the influence of sherry casks and the intense flavours that await. Its body, which clings to the sides of the glass in thick, slow-moving legs, hints at a rich, robust mouthfeel. The packaging itself, with a distinctly maritime theme, reinforces the whisky’s connection to the sea, aligning well with Bunnahabhain’s coastal heritage.
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Nose
The aroma of Bunnahabhain An Cladach greets you with layers of sherry sweetness intertwined with a briny, salty undertone. The influence of Oloroso sherry casks is evident, with dominant notes of dried fruits such as raisins and figs, accompanied by rich caramel and dark chocolate. As the whisky opens up, hints of toasted nuts and oak spice emerge, bringing warmth and complexity.
The maritime character Bunnahabhain is known for subtly weaves through the nose, giving a hint of sea spray and salt air. This adds an element of freshness, balancing the rich sherried notes and enhancing the whisky’s complexity. It’s a nose that invites exploration, evolving with each sniff and offering new nuances.
Palate
An Cladach’s palate is as layered and complex as its nose suggests. The initial sip reveals a delightful combination of sweetness and spice, with the Oloroso sherry influence leading the way. The flavors of dried fruits—dates, raisins, and figs—are prominent, accompanied by a wave of caramel, dark chocolate, and vanilla. This sweet richness is quickly met by a warming spice, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper.
Mid-palate, the whisky reveals a slightly smoky, earthy undertone that adds depth without overpowering the other flavors. This faint smokiness is characteristic of Bunnahabhain’s non-peated profile, offering a subtle nod to its Islay origins without overwhelming the palate with peat. There is also a distinct nutty note—perhaps walnut or hazelnut—that rounds out the flavor profile, adding a touch of bitterness that balances the initial sweetness.
The maritime influence becomes more noticeable as the flavors develop, with a gentle saltiness that enhances the whisky’s complexity and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sherried richness. This touch of brine is subtle but effective, grounding the whisky and reminding you of its coastal heritage.
Finish
The finish on An Cladach is long, warming, and satisfying. The sherry cask influence remains dominant, with lingering notes of dried fruit, caramel, and spice. There’s a gentle smokiness that persists, leaving a whisper of earthy, coastal character on the palate. The finish is both sweet and slightly salty, with a touch of oak bitterness that gives it a pleasant complexity.
As the flavors gradually fade, the maritime quality becomes more pronounced, leaving a final impression of sea air and oak that feels uniquely Bunnahabhain. The balance between the sweet, sherried notes and the coastal, earthy elements is masterful, creating a finish that invites another sip.
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Value for money
As a World Traveller Exclusive, Bunnahabhain An Cladach is positioned as a premium offering, and its price reflects this. While it may be slightly more expensive than some of the standard expressions, the quality and complexity justify the price. For whisky enthusiasts who appreciate a rich, sherried single malt with a unique maritime character, An Cladach offers excellent value. Its depth and layered profile make it an ideal choice for those who want to explore Bunnahabhain’s coastal side without the heavy peat.
It’s worth noting that the travel-exclusive nature of this release adds to its appeal for collectors and fans of the Bunnahabhain distillery. While it may not be as readily available as the standard releases, those who have the opportunity to acquire a bottle will find it a worthwhile addition to their collection.
Comparisons to other Bunnahabhain Expressions
Compared to other Bunnahabhain whiskies, the An Cladach stands out for its bold sherry influence and maritime character. While Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old offers a balance of sherry and subtle smoke, An Cladach takes the sherried notes up a notch, making it a richer and more indulgent experience. Its subtle smokiness is also less pronounced than Bunnahabhain’s peated expressions, such as Toiteach A Dhà, which are more overtly smoky.
For those who enjoy the sherried style of whiskies like Bunnahabhain’s Mòine or even other Islay sherry-cask releases, An Cladach provides a unique alternative. It brings the best of both worlds—the rich sweetness of sherry and the coastal character of Islay—without overwhelming peat, making it accessible to both peat lovers and those who prefer a more balanced Islay experience.
Final thoughts on the Bunnahabhain An Cladach
Bunnahabhain An Cladach is a testament to the versatility of the Bunnahabhain distillery and its commitment to quality. This expression captures the essence of the coast with its maritime influence while delivering a rich, sherry-forward profile that will appeal to fans of indulgent, layered single malts. It’s a whisky that manages to be both complex and approachable, with a balance of sweetness, spice, and subtle saltiness that keeps you coming back for more.
The lack of an age statement might deter some purists, but Bunnahabhain has crafted an expression that feels complete and well-matured. For those seeking a premium, travel-exclusive whisky that reflects the rugged beauty of Islay, An Cladach is an excellent choice. Its rich flavor profile, maritime charm, and long, satisfying finish make it a standout addition to the Bunnahabhain range and a must-try for any whisky lover.
Ratings
- Nose: 4.5/5 – A beautifully layered aroma with sherry, maritime notes, and subtle spice.
- Palate: 4.5/5 – Rich, sherried sweetness balanced with spice, earth, and a touch of smoke.
- Finish: 4/5 – Long, warming, with a perfect blend of sweetness, salt, and oak.
- Value for Money: 4/5 – Priced as a premium travel-exclusive, but quality justifies the investment.
From the numerous tastings we had, the Bunnahabhain An Cladach is a compelling choice for those who appreciate a rich, sherried whisky with a touch of Islay’s coastal character. It offers a delightful experience that feels both luxurious and grounded, making it a great addition to any whisky collection.
