Bunnahabhain is Islay’s great exception. While the island is world-renowned for medicinal, heavy peat smoke, the vast majority of Bunnahabhain’s production (around two-thirds) is completely unpeated. This is largely thanks to its water source, the Margadale Spring, which is piped directly to the distillery from underground, entirely bypassing the island’s famous peat bogs. The distillery is equipped with some of the tallest stills on Islay, producing a relatively light, clean, and fruity new-make spirit. When this unpeated spirit is matured in high-quality ex-Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, it develops into the quintessential Bunnahabhain profile: rich, nutty, and bursting with dark fruits, leather, and a signature coastal saltiness. However, the distillery also dedicates a portion of its year to producing heavily peated spirit (often traded independently under the name “Staoisha” or officially as “Mòine”). This peated run offers a sharply coastal, bonfire-smoke profile that is heavily sought after by blenders and independent bottlers alike.