Bunnahabhain taps into Islay history

Bunnahabhain is adding a new limited edition whisky to its range that takes its inspiration from life on Islay during the 19^th century.

Ceòbanach, meaning “smokey mist” in Gaelic, aims to capture a period in Islay’s history when the community was dependent on the island’s peat for both warmth and trade.

Although the brand’s core range today famously breaks with the classic Islay style by using unpeated malt, Bunnahabhain master blender Ian MacMillan explained that this new 10-year-old, 46.3% abv expression marked a move to “recreate the original Bunnahabhain.”

Introducing Ceòbanach, he remarked: “I have spent a decade regularly monitoring, nosing and tasting these whiskies as they matured. I always envisaged that this product would be perfect around 10 years old and I certainly have not been disappointed. Although we could never fully replicate the original style of spirit produced at Bunnahabhain, Ceòbanach is as close as we could possibly hope for.”

Alison Gibb, global marketing manager at Burn Stewart, which was bought last year by South African group Distell, said: “This is an exciting release for Bunnahabhain, not only because of its limited availability, but because it reflects the history and heritage of our location and our unique single malt.”

Noting the “heavy maritime influence” that characterises the distillery’s range and the Sherry influence of the core range, Gibb explained the role of the various limited edition ranges as being to “showcase the complexity of Bunnahabhain’s character by offering our consumers the unique opportunity to discover our master distiller’s skilful art in unlocking further layers of smoky notes and wood-imparted aromas.”

Ceòbanach will be released globally with an RRP of £59.99.