From the often gentle shores of Islay comes something unexpected ,The Peaty from Bunnahabhain’s Four Styles series. Known for their unpeated expressions, Bunnahabhain surprises and delights here with a rare turn toward smoke. This 2014 limited release isn’t just a nod to Islay’s iconic character, it’s a deeper dive into what happens when a distillery known for restraint flexes its smoky side. For fans of peat or collectors chasing contrast, this one is a quiet rebellion in a bottle.

Four Styles – The Peaty – Bunnahabhain 2014
Brand: Bunnahabhain | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: [Specify if available]% | Origin: Islay, Scotland | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Campfire smoke curls around notes of dried seaweed, smoked meats, and a trace of salty driftwood, like walking along an Islay shore after a storm.
Palate: Rich and assertive, with smouldering peat layered over roasted nuts, black pepper, and dark toffee. The texture is oily and mouth coating, delivering both warmth and weight.
Finish: Long and smouldering, the peat lingers like embers in the throat, balanced by hints of salted caramel and charred oak. Bold, but with measured complexity.

Production Details:
Distilled in 2014 and peated to a higher level than Bunnahabhain's usual style, this limited edition takes a break from the distillery’s signature unpeated profile. Aged in carefully selected casks, the whisky develops smoky intensity without losing the house style's inherent smoothness and coastal DNA. The Peaty is part of the Four Styles series, each expression exploring a different facet of Bunnahabhain’s identity.

Perfect For:
A fireside pour on a cold, windswept night. Best enjoyed slowly, either alone with a good book or with fellow peat lovers who’ll appreciate the contrast. It’s also a perfect conversation-starter at a tasting session where the bottle itself tells a story.

Expert Notes:
Praised by whisky enthusiasts for its rare and confident departure from the norm, The Peaty shows that Bunnahabhain can do smoke with the same finesse it brings to sherry and coastal sweetness. Collectors admire it for its limited release status and the clear vision behind the Four Styles project.

Customer Reviews:
“Didn’t expect this level of smoke from Bunnahabhain and it works beautifully.”
“Reminds me of a bonfire near the sea. Bold but not overwhelming. Love the balance.”
“Bought it for the label, stayed for the peat. Definitely getting another bottle if I can find one.”

Interesting Fact:
Bunnahabhain is one of the few Islay distilleries known for producing primarily unpeated whisky, making this smoky release a rarity and a must-try for fans of the brand wanting to experience its wild side.

Serving Suggestions:
Neat is best, a few minutes in the glass lets the layers unfold. Add a splash of water if you want to soften the peat and bring out more of the malt sweetness underneath. Avoid ice; it dulls the nuance.