In the rugged world of Scotch whisky, where peaty smokes often dominate the conversation, one Islay distillery stands apart with its smooth, sea-kissed approach. Bunnahabhain has long carved out a niche for those who appreciate subtlety over intensity, and now it's charting new waters with the launch of Turas Math No.1 in the United States. This isn't just another bottle hitting the shelves—it's the opening chapter in a story of adventure, craftsmanship, and the kind of flavors that linger like a fond memory.
Picture this: You're at the edge of Scotland's wild Islay coast, where the Atlantic crashes against ancient rocks, and a distillery born in 1881 draws its life from the pure waters of the Margadale River. That's Bunnahabhain, a name that rolls off the tongue like a Gaelic whisper, meaning "mouth of the river." Unlike its island neighbors that chase heavy peat profiles, this place sticks to unpeated barley and crystal-clear spring water piped straight from the hills. The result? Whiskies that capture the essence of the sea without overwhelming the senses—complex, rich, and sweetened by time in sherry casks, all under the watchful eye of the ocean's salty breeze.
Image credit: Bunnahabhain
Now, fast-forward to today, and Bunnahabhain is inviting American enthusiasts to join a fresh expedition through its Westering Home Collection. This three-part annual series pays homage to the distillery's deep maritime heritage, evoking the spirit of sailors setting out from the bay, bound for distant horizons. The debut, Turas Math No.1—drawing from the Scots Gaelic for "good journey"—promises exactly that: a sensory trek that blends tradition with bold innovation.
At the helm of this creation is Master Blender Julieann Fernandez, whose expertise turns casks into symphonies. She describes the process as evoking the thrill of departure, where every sip builds like waves gathering strength. "With Turas Math No.1, I wanted to capture the feeling of setting out on a journey—full of anticipation, contrast, and discovery," Fernandez explains. "The Manzanilla casks bring that crisp, structured start, while the Amarone finish offers a lush, rewarding depth. Bringing them together at Bunnahabhain Bay, where both spirits have matured by the sea, creates a single malt that's layered, harmonious, and deeply rooted in our sense of place."
What makes this release stand out is its dual heritage, marrying two distinct cask paths into one seamless pour. One portion spends a full 15 years resting in Manzanilla sherry casks sourced from the sun-drenched bodegas along Spain's Jerez coast. These impart a refined saline edge, evoking the briny air of the sea, alongside notes of roasted nuts and sun-dried fruits that add a touch of earthy sophistication. The other half begins with a decade in refill oak barrels, building a solid foundation, before shifting to five years in Amarone wine casks from Italy's Veneto region. This finishing touch weaves in layers of deep, dark fruits, sticky treacle toffee, and a gentle herbal glow that warms from within.
Image credit: Bunnahabhain
Bottled at a robust 55.9% ABV— that's 111.8 proof for those keeping score—this limited-edition gem comes in a 700ml bottle without chill filtration, preserving every nuance of its character. At a suggested retail price of $192.99, it's positioned as a collector's item, the kind of bottle you pull out for milestone toasts or quiet evenings reflecting on life's paths taken. And with only annual releases in this series, each capturing a new phase of the journey, Turas Math No.1 isn't just a drink; it's the spark that ignites a ongoing quest for flavor explorers.
Diving into the tasting experience reveals why this whisky demands attention. Pour it into a glass, and the color greets you like polished pecan wood—warm, inviting, with a depth that hints at stories untold. On the nose, it's a fruit-forward welcome: ripe black cherries mingle with plump plums and tangy blackberries, spiced up by cloves and the comforting aroma of roasted nuts. It's the sort of scent that transports you to a cozy fireside chat after a day on the water.
Take that first sip, and the palate unfolds like a well-planned route. Cinnamon-dusted pastries lead the way, giving way to the sweet stickiness of treacle toffee. Hazelnuts crunch in subtly, paired with chewy dried figs and a soft herbal undercurrent that adds just the right balance—nothing overpowering, everything in harmony. The finish? It's the reward at journey's end: long and warming, with lingering sweet spices that fade into a faint whisper of sea spray, reminding you of Bunnahabhain's coastal home.
This isn't whisky for the faint of heart or the novice sipper; it's crafted for those who've earned their stripes, men who've navigated their own voyages through career climbs, family milestones, and the occasional detour. In a world rushing by, Turas Math No.1 encourages pausing to savor the details—the way a good dram can mirror life's twists and triumphs.
Bunnahabhain's commitment to its craft goes beyond the bottle. As the most northerly distillery on Islay, tucked away in one of Scotland's remotest spots, it embodies resilience and innovation. Founded over 140 years ago, it has pioneered sustainability on the island, achieving the first net-zero distillation process—a nod to preserving the pristine environment that shapes its spirit. The unpeated approach, reliant on that untainted Margadale spring water and carefully selected barley, ensures each expression carries a unique complexity. Sherry casks, with their gift of richness and sweetness, combine with the ever-present sea influence to produce whiskies that are as multifaceted as the men who appreciate them.
For those ready to set sail on this flavor odyssey, Turas Math No.1 is now landing stateside. You can snag it online through ReserveBar or hunt it down at select specialty retailers. It's more than a purchase; it's an investment in discovery, a chance to collect the full Westering Home trilogy as it unfolds year by year.
Whether you're building a home bar that tells your story or seeking that next-level pour to share with old friends, Bunnahabhain's latest offering delivers. Head to bunnahabhain.com for deeper dives into the distillery's legacy, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future releases. In the end, Turas Math No.1 isn't just about the whisky—it's about embracing the journey, one sip at a time.
