Single Malt Whisky, Scotland/Islay

Founded in 1881 by William Robertson and brothers William and James Greenless, Bunnahabhain first began producing malt in January 1883. The number of stills was increased from two to four in 1963 and the distillery mothballed for a short period between 1982 and 1984. The tempo of this very typical Bunnahabhain bottling is set not only by peaty, smoky, animal and iodine sequences but also by spice, chocolate and fruit notes that create excellent balance.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Golden yellow.

Nose: Full, rich. The oily first nose releases rich peat fragrances filled with sea spray and salt. Allowed to breathe, the aroma palette reveals chocolate, roasted notes and light camphor. Sichuan pepper gradually fills the air.

Palate: Lively yet creamy. Smoke rings, sleet and the same oily peat lead the very compact first sequence. Whole blocks of peat sink across the sides of the palate. Refreshingly salty.

Overall: Long, rich. Initially coated in soot, flavours of candied fruit (pear, apple, pineapple) and malted barley form a creamy tangle. Glowing and refined chocolate and animal (meat, fish) notes draw the finish to a close. The finish is glowing (embers).