Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old, Sherry & Bourbon Cask, 46.3%

Islay's remote north east coast might seem a strange place to find a substantial Victorian distillery, but it was chosen in 1881 by William Robertson in partnership with Greenlees Bros. as the perfect spot for his island vision. Constructing it meant not only building the distillery but houses as well, putting in a road, and adding on a pier so that casks and barley could come in, and whisky go out. Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old is a rich, complex beauty who has spent nearly two decades lounging in a mix of sherry and bourbon casks, soaking up all the good stuff. Bottled at 46.3% ABV without chill-filtration or added colouring, it serves up layers of sweet, fruity, and savoury deliciousness. Unlike most Islay whiskies, it forgoes heavy peat in favor of sherried richness and coastal complexity.