Bunnahabhain Darach Ùr

Bunnahabhain Darach Ùr, NAS, 46,3 %

Darach Ùr (pronounced Dar-ach oor) means ‘New Oak’ in Scots Gaelic and is named after the new oak barrels used for its maturation. Bunnahabhain Darach Ùr is a limited edition available in Travel Retail only. I have here tried batch 10, which I believe is the last or one of the last batches to be put to market. As far as I know, this product will be replaced by 'something else' ™ once it is sold out.

The price for Bunnahabhain Darach Ùr is around GBP 35.

Nose (20/25): This is certainly a bit different than your regular Bunna. The new oak does deliver more spiciness, caramel and general oakiness. Well-chewed, wooden school pencils, dipped in melted vanilla ice cream. I detect some maltiness here also, the whisky appears slightly youngish.

Taste (19/25): Sugary sweet; other than that it is a direct continuation of the nose. Caramel notes with spices; pepper (white and black). I do find honey, but as taste and as a mouth-feel.

Finish (19/25): Medium long finish. Spicy caramel, with some added ginger.

Balance (20/25): This is an OK dram, but I prefer the regular core range from Bunnahabhain to this one.

Score (78/100)

Image from Bunnahabhain Distillery.

Sláinte! - Thomas