Founded in 1881 on the remote northeastern coast of Islay, Bunnahabhain Distillery has always marched to the beat of its own drum. While Islay is famous for heavily peated, smoky whiskies, Bunnahabhain built its reputation on a softer, more coastal style showcasing fruit, nuts, malt sweetness, sea spray and gentle sherry influence rather than overwhelming peat smoke. Pronounced “Bunna-havn,” the name comes from the Gaelic for “mouth of the river,” a nod to the Margadale spring water source that still feeds the distillery today.

Today the distillery is owned by CVH Spirits (the Distell Group), the same ownership group behind fellow Scottish distilleries Deanston and Tobermory. While each distillery has its own distinct character, all three have earned reputations for traditional production methods, strong cask programs and distinctive house styles that appeal to whisky enthusiasts and independent bottlers alike.

Unlike many of its Islay neighbors, Bunnahabhain’s core spirit is largely unpeated, allowing the character of the malt and cask to shine through. That signature profile often leans into notes of salted caramel, roasted nuts, dried fruit, honey, brine and rich sherry influence, balanced by an unmistakable maritime character from years of maturation beside the Sound of Islay. When peat is used, it tends to be more earthy and restrained than the medicinal punch found elsewhere on the island.

While Bunnahabhain is best known for its unpeated style, the distillery also produces a heavily peated spirit known as Staoisha (pronounced “Staoy-sha”). Originally created primarily for blending, Staoisha has developed a cult following among independent bottlers and peat lovers for its combination of bold campfire smoke, coastal brine, citrus, ash and underlying Bunnahabhain richness. These peated releases offer a completely different side of the distillery and are some of the most exciting Islay casks we’ve had the opportunity to import.

The distillery itself remains one of Islay’s most picturesque and isolated sites, accessible by a winding coastal road that feels like stepping back in time. Traditional production methods remain central to Bunnahabhain’s identity, including unusually tall stills that help create a lighter, more elegant spirit. Much of the whisky is matured in sherry casks, which pair beautifully with the distillate’s naturally rich and oily texture. The distillery is also home to the famous Warehouse 9 Experience, widely regarded as one of the best warehouse tastings on Islay, where visitors sample whisky drawn directly from casks in a traditional seaside maturation warehouse.

Today, Bunnahabhain has become a favorite among whisky drinkers looking for a different side of Islay, one that delivers depth, complexity and coastal character without relying solely on heavy smoke. It’s a distillery that rewards patience and exploration, equally capable of producing approachable everyday drams and deeply layered, contemplative old whiskies.