Bunnahabhain Cask Strength
Cask strength whisky is revered by enthusiasts for its pure, undiluted nature. Bottled straight from the cask, it offers a bold, authentic taste, rich with complexity and unfiltered character.
Unlike standard whiskies, which are diluted for consistency, cask strength whiskies all each sip to reveal unique flavours shaped by the cask itself. This raw form of whisky invites drinkers to personalise their experience, adjusting intensity with water or ice to unlock the whisky's depth.
At Bunnahabhain, our cask strength releases stay true to tradition, capture the rugged essence of Islay and the distinctive heritage that makes our whisky exceptional.
What is Cask Strength Whisky?
Cask strength whisky is bottled directly from cask, without dilution, retaining the high alcohol content gained through distillation. With an ABV typically ranging from, 50-65%, cask strength offers a more authentic reflection of the whisky's character, compared to the standard bottlings which are diluted to a minimum of 40% ABV.
The higher alcohol content preserves the full range of flavours and aromas, providing a richer, more intense experience.
This purity allows subtle flavours, like the natural sweetness of the malt or the depth of the cask's wood to shine. Drinkers can explore these layers by adjusting the whisky themselves with water or ice.
Bunnahabhain Cask Strength Releases
Bunnahabhain is known for it's cask strength whiskies, each expressing the distillery's dedication to quality and tradition.
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength
12 Year Old Cask Strength is a powerful version of our classic 12 Year Old, this whisky boasts deep notes of dried fruits, nuts, and sea salt, with a richer, warmer finish due to the higher ABV of 60.1%.
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Warehouse 9 Collection
Hand selected and hand filled by the team at Bunnahabhain Distillery, the Warehouse 9 Collection reflects our dedication to quality, from oak selection to the art of maturation, embodying the journey from vibrant new make spirit to aged single malt. Aged in a diverse range of cask types, such as the 2014 Canasta Matured and 2012 Oloroso Matured, each cask strength whisky in this collection is a living snapshot of maturation, capturing the moment in time where the sea breeze, wood, and spirit harmonise to create something truly exceptional.
Tasting Notes and Flavour Profile
Bunnahabhain's cask strength whiskies are celebrated for their bold, complex flavours. Common notes include rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, and nuts, all complemented by a touch of sea salt. The sherry cask influence adds depth with spice and oak, heightened by the undiluted strength.
Serving Suggestions
Cask strength whisky is best enjoyed neat to appreciate its intensity, or with a few drops of water to unlock hidden layers of flavour. For a smoother, more refreshing experience, especially with peated whiskies, serve it on ice if you're looking for some dilution.
How Bunnahabhain Cask Strength is Made
Bunnahabhain cask strength whisky is crafted through careful maturation in mostly sherry casks, allowing the spirit to develop rich, layered flavours. The whisky is bottled directly from the cask without dilution or chill filtration, preserving character to enhance texture and taste. This commitment to traditional methods, combined with strict quality control, ensure each release reflects Bunnahabhain's high standards of craftsmanship.
Cask Strength vs. Standard Bottling
Cask strength whisky has a higher ABV (typically 50-65%) compared to standard bottlings which are diluted to a minimum of 40% ABV. This results in more concentrated and intense flavours in cask strength whiskies. The undiluted nature also offers flexibility, allowing drinkers to adjust the intensity by adding water, while standard bottlings are pre-diluted for immediate consumption.
Single Barrel vs. Cask Strength
Single barrel whisky comes from one specific cask, offering a unique flavour profile, whil cask strength whiskies refers to whisky that is bottled without dilution.
Cask strength whiskies can be a marriage of multiple casks or from a single cask. Single barrel cask strength whiskies are rarer and offer more variation in taste between batches.
Bunnahabhain Cask Strength FAQs
Is cask strength good?
Yes, cask strength whisky is highly regarded for its bold, undiluted flavour and higher alcohol content. It provides a more intense and authentic tasting experience and allows drinkers to adjust the strength with water to suit personal preferences.
What strength is cask whisky?
The ABV of cask strength whiskies varies cask to cask. They typically range from 50 - 65% ABV, depending on how much alcohol the spirit retains during maturation.
Is cask strength whisky expensive?
Cask strength whiskies are generally more expensive due to its higher alcohol content, lack of dilution, and limited release nature.
What is meant by cask strength?
Cask strength refers to whisky that is bottled directly from the cask without dilution, offering a purer and more intense drinking experience.
Is single cask the same as cask strength?
No, single cask whisky comes from one specific barrel, while cask strength refers to whisky that has not been diluted. However, single cask whisky can also be cask strength if bottled without dilution.
