Bunnahabhain 8 Years 2014 Staoisha Signatory Vintage is a young, powerful Islay single malt from the smoky side of the Bunnahabhain distillery. “Staoisha” is the name Signatory uses for the heavily peated spirit from Bunnahabhain, and here you get that wild, maritime style in a pure, unadulterated form.
The whisky was distilled in 2014 and matured for around eight years in selected casks before being bottled by Signatory Vintage, typically without chill-filtration and with no added colour, so the smoke, coastal character and malty sweetness come through clearly in the glass.
Style and character Where classic Bunnahabhain is often gentle and unpeated, Staoisha goes in the opposite direction:
Pronounced peat smoke
Clear seasalt and maritime notes
Fresh, youthful intensity with plenty of energy
Flavour profile (indicative)
Nose: Dry, ashy smoke, beach bonfire, seaweed and sea spray. Behind the smoke appear notes of lemon, green apples, light malt, vanilla and a hint of pepper.
Palate: Oily and intense mouthfeel. Lots of peat smoke, ash, smoked nuts and bacon, together with lemon zest, green fruit, malt biscuits and a light vanilla sweetness from the cask.
Finish: Long, dry and smoky with lingering ash, salted liquorice, a touch of black pepper and a clean, grainy sweetness in the background.
Serving suggestions Bunnahabhain 8 Years 2014 Staoisha is ideal if you enjoy young, uncompromising peat:
Best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped glass for maximum smoke and sea character.
A few drops of water can open up more citrus, malt and sweetness without taking away the power of the smoke.
Pairs very well with smoked or salty snacks such as smoked almonds, hard cheeses or charcuterie.
A raw, maritime and smoky Islay experience where Bunnahabhain’s darker, peated side completely takes over the glass.
