3 December 2020
Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dhà
When Toiteach a Dhà was announced a few years ago, we were a bit sad, because one of our favourite peated drams and predecessor Toiteach was about to be discontinued. Although batches differed hugely, the good old Toiteach remained a staple in our cabinet.
The Toiteach a Dhà, which means Smoky Two, has a higher sherry influence and is a bit more aggressive. But still, Bunnahabhain managed to deliver something any starting peat-lover would appreciate.
It’s (not too heavily) peated, has matured on a combination of bourbon and sherry casks and it’s bottled at 46.3% ABV:
Tasting notes
Nose
Grilled pineapple and a touch of kiwi, moist old wood, a bit muffled. Salt and pepper betray a young age.
Palate
Classical Islay, with vibrant citrus fruits, licorice root and soft medical flavours. Bunna’s character shines through in the form of smooth and warming orchard fruits.
Finish
Medium to long with a touch of sherry, with subtle hints of sultanas, but fresher and saltier flavours play first fiddle. Licorice root, old leather, iodine and burnt plastic. It’s a bit fungal in a good way, but to a far lesser extent than it’s predecessor. A taste of struck matches remain.
All in all it’s an enjoyable dram, but to me it’s a bit of a mess. Lots of flavours with great potential, but they’re all crammed together, which makes it damp and not particularly clean or refreshing. It’s not very often that I find it hard to score a whisky. Not because Bunnahabhain is my favourite Islay distillery, but more because I know Bunna has much more to offer than this.
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