Cooper’s Choice Sherried Smoke takes Bunnahabhain’s gentle, coastal spirit and gives it a rare, darker twist. Bunnahabhain itself sits on the remote northeast coast of Islay, founded in 1881 and long known for producing unpeated whisky in a region famous for heavy smoke. Its house style is typically clean, nutty, and maritime, so any peated or sherry‑driven independent bottling offers a glimpse of a side the distillery seldom shows officially. This release opens with dried fruit, soft smoke, and a touch of sea air. The palate is richer than the classic Bunnahabhain profile, carrying raisin, toffee, roasted nut, and a measured thread of peat that adds depth without overwhelming the spirit. The smoke stays gentle and atmospheric, sitting behind the sherry sweetness rather than competing with it. The finish is warm, slightly spiced, and quietly smoky, with lingering dried fruit and cocoa. A thoughtful, characterful detour from Bunnahabhain’s usual restraint.
