Bunnahabhain Feis Ile 2022 Abhainn Araig Scotch Whisky
Bunnahabhain Fèis Ìle 2022 Abhainn Araig is the distillery's festival bottling for the return of in-person Fèis Ìle: a 101.6-proof (50.8% ABV), 750mL no-age-statement Islay single malt, matured in ex-bourbon casks married with whisky from small ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry octaves of seasoned European oak. Unpeated, natural color, non chill-filtered — classic Bunnahabhain. "Abhainn Araig" is Scots Gaelic for "Araig River," the northeast Islay river feeding the distillery's water source. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 50.8% (101.6 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: no age statement
- Distillery: Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Scotland (Distell / Burn Stewart)
- Casks: ex-bourbon married with ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry octaves (seasoned European oak)
- Presentation: unpeated spirit; natural color; non chill-filtered
- Occasion: official Fèis Ìle 2022 festival bottling; first selected by Master Distiller Brendan McCarron
The River That Feeds the Distillery
Bunnahabhain is Islay's gentle giant — unpeated in a land of peat monsters — and its Fèis Ìle 2022 release honors the water that makes it possible. The Abhainn Araig feeds the Margadale River and the distillery's cooling water, and the whisky itself is a study in sherry-cask craft: ex-bourbon spirit married with whisky from tiny ex-PX octaves, bottled at a robust 50.8% with nothing added and nothing taken away. It was the first Fèis Ìle bottling chosen by Master Distiller Brendan McCarron, and the Scotch whisky collectors noticed — festival bottlings never come back.
Tasting Notes
The nose shows chocolate, powdered ginger, and cigar box. The palate is velvety and rich — creamy milk chocolate, then sweet raisins and dried raspberries, developing into balsamic vinegar and honeyed macadamias as the PX influence builds. The finish is deep and rich, dark toffee with a final spicy burst of cinnamon.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn at full 101.6 proof first, then a few drops of water to unlock the PX fruit. Not a mixing whisky — this is a contemplative dram. Pair with dark chocolate, aged Gouda, or dried figs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Abhainn Araig" mean?
"Araig River" in Scots Gaelic — a northeast Islay river feeding the Margadale River, the distillery's water source.
Is Bunnahabhain peated?
No — Bunnahabhain's classic style is unpeated, and this bottling follows it.
How is it matured?
Ex-bourbon casks married with whisky from small ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry octaves made from seasoned European oak.
Is it chill-filtered or colored?
Neither — natural color and non chill-filtered, bottled at 50.8% ABV.
More Bunnahabhain and the full Scotch whisky collection are here. Festival bottlings are one-and-done — order Abhainn Araig 2022 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.