Whether you’re stocking up for Burns Night or just need to replenish your stocks after some Christmas tippling, the January sales are a great time to pick up some high-quality whisky at budget prices. If you’re after an excellent scotch that’s immaculately presented, we’ve got just the thing.
Right now you can pick up a 70cl bottle of Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky for £27 down from £39.33 at Amazon (price correct at the time of writing). It’ll look great on the shelf as well as over some ice, and it’ll make a great gift if you still owe a stray family member a Christmas present. Oh, and it’s pronounced ‘bunn-na-ha-venn’. You’re welcome. As for ‘Stiuireadair’, you’re on your own.
This unpeated single malt has been matured in high-grade sherry casks, resulting in a smooth, creamy mouth feel and a rich, multifarious flavour profile. Notes of dried fruit, sea salt, caramel, and nutty hints are rounded out with a gentle spice that doesn’t kick too hard.
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Benefitting from expertise dating back to 1881, this coastal-inspired scotch has a distinctive sherry influence too, and it’s a great option in whisky-based cocktails like an Old Fashion, Irish Coffee, or a John Collins. It’s great neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water too.
It’s got a stellar reputation at Amazon, with 4.7 out of 5 stars averaged from 5,154 reviews so far. “As a sub-£40 whisky (and sometimes under £35), this is amazing,” said a customer who’ll likely swoon if they catch wind of the current £27 price tag. “I have just bought myself another bottle, and one for my dad for Christmas. Let’s see if I manage to keep that second bottle unopened!”
“Beautifully smooth and easy on the palate, with deep oak and toffee notes,” said another happy customer. “Well-balanced and easy to sip; perfect for the cold weather.”
Another added: “Besides the box and bottle looking really cool and the name sounding like an ancient spell, the whisky itself is perfectly balanced and strong, with a great aftertaste.”
Some dram fans have picked up peaty notes that ought to be absent, however. “My issue with this whisky is that I am not a peated whisky fan,” said one three-star review. “This popped up, and at £27 for its proof, I thought it was a good try. It tastes of peat. So for an advertised unpeated whiskey, I’m not enjoying it.”
Another customer felt some notes lacked punch: “It has only a hint of smoke and sherry, for someone looking for that, keep looking. I think I prefer the Moine, which is more affordable.”
If you’d prefer a more commonplace favourite, the Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack is just £20 at Asda. An alternative, lesser-known option would be the Burnt Ends Blended Whisky at Debenhams at just £29.93.
That said, at 31% off, whisky lovers would be remiss not to give the Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair Islay Single Malt Scotch a shot. Sorry, a dram.