Bunnahabhain Brings White Port-Finished Malt To US

Islay distillery Bunnahabhain has returned to its Westering Home Collection with the United States launch of An Cuan Garbh No.1, a limited-edition 15-year-old single malt Scotch whisky finished in White Port casks from Portugal’s Douro Valley.

The release marks the second chapter in Bunnahabhain’s three-part Westering Home series, following Turas Math No.1, which introduced the collection’s exploration of movement and anticipation. An Cuan Garbh No.1 (“The Rough Sea”) shifts the focus to the crossing itself, defined by contrast, motion, and change across open water.

Matured for 15 years in traditional oak before a finishing period in White Port casks, the whisky layers ripe orchard fruit, peach and apricot over Bunnahabhain’s coastal character, balanced by candied citrus, honeyed almonds, toasted malt and gentle spice. The White Port influence is used as a supporting layer, enhancing fruit brightness and texture while preserving the distillery’s coastal identity, shaped by sea air and shoreline maturation.

Master Blender Julieann Fernandez oversees the Westering Home Collection, guiding each annual release as part of a structured three-year progression that explores different stages of the journey around Islay.

“Each release in the Westering Home Collection captures a different stage of the journey across and around Islay,” said Julieann Fernandez, Master Blender at Bunnahabhain Distillery. “With An Cuan Garbh No.1, we focused on contrast and movement, the unpredictability of the sea against the steady evolution of maturation. The White Port casks add fruit and softness, while the whisky remains grounded in Bunnahabhain’s coastal style.”

Influenced by time spent in warehouses overlooking Bunnahabhain Bay, the whisky is shaped by sea air and slow maturation, adding depth and subtle maritime salinity to its profile. Bottled at 51.6% ABV (103.2 Proof), the whisky is priced at $205 per bottle.