As good as the 2022? | Bunnahabhain 12 Cask Strength 2023 REVIEW

[@choboxhoos]

Classic Geoff humour, and another useful review! 10/10

[@Gwhisky]

Hah cheers. 🥃

[@agrainofmalt]

That's what she said!

[@israelliberow1855]

thank you was waiting for this review. I was not able to purchase the 2022 Picked up the 2023 I agree with your review. Maybe the fact that it is readily more available than the 2022 is proof that most prefer the 2022..

[@timloucks4325]

I had a bar pour last November in Glasgow. I was impressed enough to order a 2nd dram. The bottle I bought to take home is a 2023 batch. It certainly hasn’t resonated with me like those bar pours. Granted I haven’t imbibed that much. I suspect the bar pours were a 2022 batch, but I have no way to confirm that. Regardless, it’s been more difficult for me to find (in California) than Springbank. It was on my short list of things to pick up in Scotland. Cheers.

[@Gwhisky]

Ah yeah if you had the 2022 it's quite a jump in flavour, regardless of which one you prefer. At least you managed to find it. I still like the 2023, just less. Cheers Tim. 🥃

[@vimalrajkappil]

I want to put it in simple words MY FAVOURITE ❤❤ Nice Review brother

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I got this one for $85 usd before tax. It looked like the store was discounting them to get the off the shelves. It wasn’t moving at $95 USD but then when it was reduced people pounced. I hope to enjoy it.

[@Gwhisky]

It falls short in comparison with the previous year, but it's still good stuff. 🥃

[@WhiskyWolf514]

"such is the nature of a Gwhisky review"....love that sentence mate 😎🥃🥃 Great review my friend as usual. Little late for the party but finally made it to catch up on watching. Thanks for the good times! Cheers 🥃🥃

[@SimonneNZ]

Nice comparison video Geoff! A really good explanation of the differences between the two batches. I haven't seen the Bunna 12 CS for sale here in NZ. The 22 seems to be highly regarded by many whisky enthusiasts but the 23 not so much. What is interesting is reading through the comments and similar whiskies that others have mentioned. I think we have the GlenAllachie 10 CS batches 8 and 9 here and the Tamdhu Batch Strength batches 5, 6, and 7. Cheers!

[@teddyballgame25]

The 22 was special and IMO had a lot of older whisky in there to go along w the active casks.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Have not had the 2023. I did do several side by side tastings with the 2021 and 2022. The 2022 was hands down the winner every time. As others have said, the 2022 is the cask strength version of the 12 we were all looking for. The 2021 reminded me a lot of a Signatory cask strength collection 10yr sherry butt that I got a few years ago. Cheers

[@neil_nicholas]

Enjoyed the review buddy and keep doing it your way with all the humour! A 2022 bottle in Singapore goes roughly for USD$190 while the 2023 is USD$195, really envy the cheap bottles you guys get in other countries. Singapore is notoriously expensive to purchase whisky, but it wont stop me from buying them still. My recent purchase which was just delivered is a bottle from the Isle of Harris - The Hearach (Batch 3). If it is nice, i might get a Batch 1 to try too and it cost me USD$108 to get a bottle.

[@125ctg]

The first thing I did was check the level of my 2022. One third to go so I’m treating it with the respect it (and my budget) deserves. Think your 92 is still the mark.

[@EuropaWill]

Enjoyed the review. IME the 2023 needs plenty of water for the best experience. I brought it carefully down to 46% and it is sublime at that proof. The 2021 edition in contrast is best represented at its full strength. Never had the 2022 to compare unfortunately.

[@BanjoSick]

Ohh, this is on my list.

[@laurentsteck6086]

Great video as always! I couldn't agree more! I have the 2021, 2022 and 2023 edition. The 2022 is THE master class!! awesome product. I bought a few backups. The 2021 is clearly "forgettable" and the 2023 is good. Not as good as the 2022, but I like it also (got a backup of this one too 🙂). Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I got a couple backups of the 2022 in the vault as well. Incredible stuff. The 2021 is the only one I haven't tried, but most people are on the same page as you and say the 2022 is the top of the heap. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@Johnny__Silver]

Great and entertaining review! Threw up less than usual!

[@jamescostigan3721]

The 2022 is something special, but I like the 2023, too. I appreciate that they are different from each other and I'm curious to see what 2024 brings, though I still have a ways to go to finish both the 2022 & 23, so I may hold off on a 24 unless I hear that it is earth-shatteringly good. In my market (Massachusetts), I paid between $85 & $90 USD for each of these. Well worth the price, IMO.

[@Gwhisky]

I don't mind batchy, although that means inevitably there will be preferences. While the 2023 didn't deliver in a way I'd hope, it's still good stuff and it definitely hasn't put me off the range. I'll be grabbing the 2024 for sure. Cheers! 🥃

[@sorinsrn5442]

Honest and no bs review. You are not on the hype train like 90% of the whiskytubers. You are a trooper Sir!!!

[@mamuka1977]

Cheaper $90 in US, 2022 $100+ , for me 2023 more spirit driven I really like it, 2022 sweeter nicer, more wine cask driven.

[@Rohit_M]

Great side by side Geoff. Good news is that I paid nothing for any release of Bunna 12 CS as none have showed up in my market. Having said, my son brought a 2021 bottle for me from his trip to Cali and I believe he paid $80 USD for the 2021 release.

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't tried the 2021, but it's well regarded. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I think USD $80 is pretty reasonable. 🥃

[@jrairdan]

Thanks for the review. I liked the 2022 a little better as well and agree that it was more sherried. But I liked the 2023 a lot too once I added enough water. I found that I needed 5-7 ml of water per ounce of whisky (and about 10 minutes to rest), which is more than I'd usually add to a whisky. I found the the bite went down a lot and more fruit notes came out at that point, especially stone fruits. But it needed all that water to get there. Without enough water, it was much less pleasant to me.

[@Alex-pr6zv]

I quite actually like the 2023. It's a nice balance between the the more alcohol-forward 2021 release and the more sherry-forward 2022 release. Also, its cheaper.

[@RobertSingleton-dw9yh]

I like the 2023 12 CS less sweet, lacks a little mouth feel and more alcohol forward than the Legendary 2022 but it’s great whisky

[@Allouran]

I haven’t seen the 23 edition in Australia, the 22 was priced from $160-180 in the major etailers and what felt like double in the shops ($220-250). I got a couple of 22s and I’m glad I did. Still prefer Edrador for my sherried whisky fix, but finding the Ibisco bottlings is getting so hard.

[@llamabones]

I hope this is a buy, as I'm on bottle 3.

[@ARad-ul7kd]

Great great review Geoff!! I love the 2022 (bought two bottles) however I tried the 2023 a few months ago and loved it. Can't decide if I am going to go all in on the 2022 or 2023 so your review really helped.

[@Gwhisky]

Glad it was useful. Thanks for watching! 🥃

[@nealbruce5914]

Geoff, the 2023 has grown on me as the bottle moves down. It benefits from a drop or two of water.

[@Gwhisky]

I like it. It really just falls short when compared to the previous year. Still very enjoyable. Cheers! 🥃

[@utoobia]

A couple full teaspoons, not drops. LOL.

[@NeilImmortal]

For me the 22 is the one, but it is competing with the Glenallachie 10 in a whole other price range and GA batch 10 is gooood.

[@DeftonE88]

I’ve been thinking of getting a Glenallachie 10 CS soon but couldn’t make my mind up on which one. How do you find batch 10 compared to others?

[@NeilImmortal]

@@DeftonE88 I think 5 was my favourite, 7,8&9 were a little simple. 10 is back to form, seems to show it uas been finished for longer . Comparable to the Bunna 12 '22, but cheaper.

[@DeftonE88]

@@NeilImmortal excellent news thank you for your advice. I’ve got a bottle of 22 Bunna 12 CS but I haven’t opened yet, looking forward to it. Cheers 🥃

[@MaLiCeCoLtRaNe]

This one costs $99.99 USD in my market. My bottle of the 2022 is still half filled and it’s fabulous.

[@elijacobs2529]

Definitely the best whisky reviewer !!

[@Gwhisky]

Oh you flatter... 🤭

[@gordonhall9943]

I had the 2023 version. It was fantastic already. I can't imagine how the 2022 would be. 😮😮😮

[@dextercool]

Whoah Nelly - that's quite the ABV! The only bottles that I've had that were stronger were AS WE GET IT Islay Single Malt (from Ian Macleod & Company Ltd) at 61% and Highland Park Cask Strength Release No. 1 at 63.3% - both surprisingly quaffable. I tried the 2022 in a bar in London's Soho and it was very enjoyable. Good to do a side-by-side - thank you for your service!

[@justwhisky]

Both around same price $80 ish US Nice comparison! I still prefer the original 2021 over the 2022… choosing to pass on the 2023… having too many open Bunnas already. Cheers 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

$80 is pretty fair, actually. Sadly I didn't get a chance to try the 2021, but I hear it's fantastic, albeit a bit spicier than the 2022. Cheers! 🥃

[@MY-bd3fo]

I like it rough, hot and spicy. I'm too speaking about whisky

[@GOTAisMe]

The prices are the same for me in the NY area. Both were between $90-$100. I find a real sour bourbon note in the 23 that wasn't there at all in 22. Instead of vanilla it's just sour. Maybe that's due to the extra ABV? I don't know but it's a real step down to me. Maybe that's what they are describing as 'nutty' on the label but I just get that on the nose and not the palette.

[@Gwhisky]

I'll have to look for a sour note the next time I pour a dram. Regardless of any sourness, I totally agree that it's a step down and, yes, a disappointment. 🥃

[@customer9845]

I wasn't able to get the 2022 CS so I can't compare to the 2023 CS. But I love the 2023 CS so much that I purchased a backup.

[@garynapolitano1270]

I received the 2022 Bunehainn 12 as a gift. Personally, I give them 3 to 4 ml of spring water & it is SO much b!

[@lightplays2181]

Hi Geoff ) Buna nice whisky but for me GlenAllachie is better . Cheers !

[@bateptesicus]

For me Bunna bottles are 6 aout of 5😅. The absolute best! Make whisky inside even better

[@stevelandwonder4760]

UK pricing looking pretty consistent at £75ish. 22 > 21 for me. Think I'll skip the 23 - I don't like them rough and spicy.

[@BourbonJazzyLife]

I’m fairly new to Scotch & had a question if you don’t mind. When you hear people talk about a “band aid” note where does that come from? Something in the process of distilling, aging environment, I’m just not sure but I like it.

[@GOTAisMe]

That's in reference to the taste in the peat that is used by Laphroaig. To me it's more of a medicinal note that you get from the medicine cabinet when you first open it up. When you compare Laphroaig to other peated Islay Scotch like Ardbeg or Lagavulin that note seems to be a distinctive Laphroaig thing. Honestly it's never bothered me. I like the Laphroaig bottles that add sweetness like the Sherry Oak or Cask Strength or many of the Cairdeas releases with port or sherry. That goes well with their peat.

[@BourbonJazzyLife]

@@GOTAisMe appreciate the response. Didn’t know the peat was responsible for that.

[@jbar6284]

@@BourbonJazzyLifeIt's not only Laphroaig that can show that medicinal character to its peat, although Laphroaig is most known for it. I recently opened a Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured and it had some of that band-aid aroma to it--not unpleasant at all in its case, but I have had other peated Islay whiskies where the medicinal character was not enjoyed. Peat from different sources can have quite a range of different aroma/flavour impacts.

[@json9069]

Paid $104.01 after taxes in Bay Area California. Didn't get a chance to try the 2022 but after all the buzz wanted to try this one. I'd say your review sounds spot on - and yeah it's a bit over priced for what it is but so is everything these days. Cheers.

[@zogy628]

Bought the 2023 when i t first came out then bought 6 bottles of the 2022 before it ran out, still have both on the shelve just drink the 2022 slowly.

[@murduk88]

The 2023 is my only experience, and I love it. In fact, I found it fairly well rounded for a 60%er, so it's interesting that it comes off as a bit rough compared to the 2022. I paid $88 US here in Houston, TX, for the 2023 FWIW.

[@allardvanderknaap2017]

Abv 61%, i never tasted the 22 release but i like the 23 very much. With a few teaspoons of water, my sweet spot is around Abv 48%. You did not mention the water, what about you Geoff?

[@gareth630]

When Bunna first did the cask strength, I'm sure they stated it wasn't ( the 12 on steroids ) For that well done, will always buy this a great dram.

[@stevewhan7308]

Excellent review, as always. Just wondering if it’s worth some weighting in the bottle review score considering the level of disclosure? - Whether it states NCF, Colour, cask info etc. Instead of just mentioning those in the summary. It’s quite important info I reckon and lack of disclosure should be reflected in the score. Thanks for posting. 👍👍

[@spunkybadgerobrien1300]

22-year-old £79 uk great reviews 👍

[@craigweatherby2830]

I like 2022 much more than 2023. In fact I'm very disappointed in 2023.

[@Gwhisky]

I still like the 2023, but after the 2022 being so good I admit I'm disappointed too. 🥃

[@DileepB]

I can find the 2022 for $99 in California.

[@Gwhisky]

Big step up from the 2023 imo. A bit pricier than other states but could still be worth grabbing. 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

I paid $90 each for two 2022 and basically got the 2023 for $25 from a trade. Had a chance but chose not to get the 2021.

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds like a fair enough deal on the trade. Both popped? Any preferences? 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky I’ll be opening the 2023 soon. The trade was basically, I found 3 bottles of spice tree at a local shop for $21 each. Bought them all. Traded two back to a big box store and they gave me credit for $75 each. Grabbed a 2023 Bunnah CS and a Courage & Conviction (Virginia distillery) to break even. So $21 plus tax per bottle🤪 You can’t sell bottles here. Prices are usually out of whack. So on the rare occasion I find a cheap bottle that the big box store stocks, I can flip it that way.

[@Gwhisky]

@@SaltyCuban Well done. $21 for Spice Tree is crazy though. Heh. 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky I kept one. Already tried it. It’s ok. Nothing to write home about as they say. It’s solid but I wouldn’t pay the $76 the store gave me credit for. But for $21 it’s a damn steal. So had to get all of them. Old stock I guess, bottles are from 2021 if I’m reading the codes right.

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff. Got the 2022 batch ( still closed 🤷‍♂️) cost me under €80, which is pushing it a bit especially when Benromach and Glen Allachie are better value. Now both the 2022 and 2023 batches are over €90. No, not at those prices. As always an enjoyable and interesting video. Slàinte Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Ah shame to hear the price is climbing there. At least you've got a bottle of the best one in the bank. Cheers, David! 🥃

[@xiamengbaby]

I was too slow to jump on the 2022 and by the time I tried the local market had dried up. It was $90 by me. When i saw the 2023 come out, i immediately jumped on it. The 2023 price had risen to $100. Then i found it that it is markedly less good than the 2022. Bottles of 2023 are still hanging around, and i could have gotten it for $90 if I had waited.

[@mgordo2]

I’m a big Bunnahabhain fan. I lucked out last year to pick up a bottle of the 2022 for under $80.00 here in Los Angeles. Here is my concern: the 12 y.o standard release has been a terrific whiskey for many years. But is Bunnahabhain’s focus on “vintage” c.s. releases coming at the expense of reduced quality of the standard release. Your comment about tired casks used for the 2023 is worrisome. Any thoughts?

[@100puremustard5]

I missed out on the 2022 so I can't compare the 2023 to it. I will say, so far, It's nothing special and I'm glad I only paid $72usd. It's actually similar to the Tamdhu batch strength 6 ($60usd) just a little less sherried. I'll definitley wait to hear reviews on the 2024 before purchasing.

[@jbar6284]

$0. I'm not aware of any Bunna 12 CS being available/retailed in NZ. There was a bottle or two in an auction for silly money late 2023. But maybe I simply missed it?🤔

[@Gwhisky]

Ah that's a shame. It seems this is a unicorn in some places. Wouldn't pay auction money for this one, though. Cheers, buddy! 🥃

[@Lovemelikeareptile]

Can't find this one here, truly unfortunate. :(

[@Gwhisky]

Ah too bad. 🥃

[@troublesome89]

The 2022 release is one of my favorite whiskeys of all time. I would give it a 96. I straight up don't really like the 2023 release. Gets an 84 from me. Very disappointing.

[@players02]

2022 nose is chocolatey, 2023 nose is coffee. 2022 juice is darker than 2023. Will give an edge to 2022 over 2023.

[@MaltDaddy]

2023 is a good bunna but the 2022 was just way better and more sherry bomby which a lot of people like btw. Unlike cheap distillate driven whiskies with zero cask quality 😂 jk

[@Gwhisky]

Haha touché. 😉

[@annabelj427]

Maybe Bunna CS still doesnt know what it wants to be.

[@YulkaKiska]

A huge fan of 2022. Didn’t like the 2023 version.

[@LongCity]

Every time you pull the imaginary flavours out of your mouth, I think of the Pensieve in Harry Potter

[@xxacidmv]

.

[@Watchman999]

Well put

[@sindbad211]

You have a plain and simple taste, and it’s okay to come here for that specific view on whisky.

[@Gwhisky]

Lol what a condescending post. 😂

[@sindbad211]

@@Gwhisky A condescending post for a condescending (and simple) review.

[@Gwhisky]

@@sindbad211 Good talk, sport. 👍

[@spunkybadgerobrien1300]

Sorry 2022 edition 🤣🤣

[@ironmantran]

The trend of pricing is DOWNWARD for Scotches. . . go figure. Some 2023 Limited Editions from Diego are -20-30% off in the Great White North for 2024 . . . still, way over-priced.

[@wallace-bv4rl]

Sherry cask tribute in the hair department!?

[@Gwhisky]

Lol no lighting. 🥃

[@wallace-bv4rl]

@@Gwhisky 👍 given my chrome dome you can afford to laugh at my comment! Enjoy your reviews 👍

[@MrLachlanmackenzie]

Geoff "Fickle" Whisky.

[@thenavajoknow]

Pricing in the German market is thoroughly unattractive. About €90 for a 12 year CS? I can get Redbreast 12 CS for under €70, Laphroaig 10 CS as well, Glen Garioch 15 at 53,7% for €80. And something as exceptional as the Scotch Universe Nebula 2 (a 13yr Blair Athol from a phenomenal roasty-coffee-nutty Oloroso single cask at CS) for €85. So no, thanks (then again I'm not the hugest Bunna fan to start with). I appreciate the review though - as always - and it sounds like I should get a sample of the 22 if any. Price from 22 to 23 is stable in Germany.

[@sorinsrn5442]

Yep...thats too much. At that price point you have much better alternatives. Kudos!!!

[@lucaparolin5623]

What? Laphroaig 10 CS for less than 70€?! I'm moving to Germany mate...

[@garynapolitano1270]

Geoff, would you explain to me... can you make any money from KZbin? I am not wealthy enough to support you on the other platforms. I of course, like and subscribe. But, does that help you with?

[@Gwhisky]

Of course! I certainly wouldn't ask anyone to stretch themselves thin on behalf of a KZbin channel. Any like or comment is more than enough. Thank you so much! 🙏

[@rellorellin7544]

This drinks too hot and doesn't take water well. This is way too overhyped. I would stick with the regular 12. There are much better drams out there for the price of this one.