Gordon & MacPhail Bunnahabhain 11 years

Score: 61

Gordon & MacPhail’s Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old, part of their Discovery range, landed 5th out of 6 in our recent club tasting, and that felt about right. This one’s a sherry-led Islay, bottled at 43%, and it plays things safe: clean, easygoing, and leaning sweet. You get the expected fruitcake and milk chocolate notes, along with stewed plums, orange marmalade, and a touch of cinnamon. The nose offers clove-studded orange and butterscotch, while the finish drifts off with caramelized nuts and a whisper of dried fruit. It’s pleasant, but not punchy, the kind of dram that won’t derail a lineup, but won’t steal the spotlight either. There’s no peat here, which makes it a gentle entry point for those who like their Islay without the smoke. The spirit feels dialed down, almost subdued, and while it doesn’t dive into the darker, richer depths some sherried Bunnas can reach, it delivers warmth and balance. As a bottle, it’s part of G&M’s effort to simplify flavor categories—this one clearly sits in the “Sherried” lane, and for the price, it’s solid value if you want sherry warmth without the drama. Not a showstopper, but a safe companion for a casual night.