Time for some more TWE 20th anniversary bottlings, with the youngest of the lot. Distilled in 2014, this 4-year-old whisky was matured in a single hogshead and bottled in April 2019 by Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange’s 20th anniversary celebrations. In case you’re wondering what Staoisha means, it really is named after Loch Staoisha on Islay.
Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2014 , 4yo, 60.3% ,£53.95
Nose: Quite sweet and smoky as you’d expect from a young peated Bunnahabhain, but it’s not one faced : there’a also nice apple peel, and a hint of citrus fruit atop the smoky-sweet bacon and peat smoke, as well as some coastal notes mainly sea breeze.
Palate: Lovely smoke with a medicinal touch to it, sweet cured meat, and apple and pears (reminding us of its youth), wood spice and citrus marmalade with some soot.
Finish: smoke, ash , licorice ,pepper and some tar make for a medium-long finish.
Conclusion : This is a lovely example of young peaty Bunna with enough going on. very drinkable also at 60.3% abv. and lovely single cask for islay and peat lovers. Well made and not expensive.
Score: 85/100
Available on the TWE web-shop , £53.95