Bunnahabhain Distillery Unveils An Cuan Garbh No.1 as Latest Westering Home Release
Bunnahabhain Distillery has launched An Cuan Garbh No.1, a limited-edition 15-year-old single malt finished in White Port casks, as the first release in the 2026 chapter of its Westering Home Collection. The Islay distillery has also announced a creative partnership with wild food chef William Rhys Hamer and photographer Bill Baillie to celebrate the island through food and film.
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An Cuan Garbh, Scots Gaelic for The Rough Sea, is the second chapter of the three-year Westering Home series. It follows 2025’s Turas Math (Setting Sail) chapter and draws on themes of challenge, transformation and discovery.
The whisky was matured beside the sea at Bunnahabhain Bay and finished in White Port casks from Portugal’s Douro Valley. Official tasting notes from the brand describe layers of orchard fruit, candied citrus, toasted malt and gentle spice.
Julieann Fernandez, Bunnahabhain’s Master Blender, said: “We’re incredibly excited to share An Cuan Garbh No.1 with whisky lovers around the world as the first release in this new chapter of Westering Home. For me, the liquid always comes first, and with An Cuan Garbh No.1 we wanted to create something that felt true to Bunnahabhain while still offering something new to discover. The White Port casks bring richness and softness, with notes of orchard fruit, peach and apricot, balanced by candied citrus, honeyed almonds and gentle spice.”
She added: “There’s a real sense of exploration in the liquid that sits perfectly with this chapter of Westering Home — inspired by the rough sea, the journey around Islay and the moments shared along the way.”
As part of the collaboration, Rhys Hamer, founder of The Wilder Kitchen, and Baillie travelled Islay’s waters and rugged landscape to cook and capture the island’s character. William Rhys-Hamer said: “Cooking outdoors, working with the landscape and celebrating local ingredients is at the heart of what I do. Partnering with Bunnahabhain on a project so deeply connected to place and tradition has been incredibly special to me.”
The release coincides with Fèis Ìle, Islay’s world-famous whisky festival, which marks its 40th year in 2026. Bunnahabhain will host a sold-out dining and tasting experience at the distillery on Tuesday 26th May, featuring a menu by Rhys Hamer paired with rare drams.
Two further expressions, An Cuan Garbh No.2 and An Cuan Garbh No.3, will launch during Fèis Ìle. Both will be available exclusively at the distillery and online.
