Bunnahabhain Abhainn Araig Feis Ile 2022 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

If you love the sultry mouthfeel and complexity of low-peat coastal styles, or regularly partake of West Highland malts, 'Abhainn Araig' will be for you: An unpeated, sherried Bunnah' released in conjunction with the Islay Whisky Festival (Feis Isle) that combines ex-Bourbon and Oloroso matured malt with liquid from smaller ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry octaves (about an eighth the size of a standard Sherry butt). Hand-selected to "push the boundaries", the way the octaves inject minimal sweetness while allowing the purity of the spirit a full show is beautifully realised: On the nose, whiffs of brine, spiced pears and apple cinnamon tart come with a malty-vanilla feel akin to cream tea biscuits. Longer air contact adds ginger snaps and cigar box. Full-bodied and succulent with sweet malt, dried fruits and a finishing coastal tang - adding water feels superfluous. The aftertaste unfolds with berry-infused dark chocolate, warming alcohol, wood spices and nutty barley. Style-wise, more Campbeltown than Islay. Taste this and you'll understand why Bunnahabhain rarely bother with peat. The quality of the distillate says it all. 50.8% Alc./Vol. Natural colour and non-chill filtered.