Bunnahabhain 1997

11 year old Islay 59.9 % vol

1 of only 587 bottles from cask no. 5367

Traditionally, Bunnahabhain is very lightly peated, but in 1997 experiments were done using heavily peated malt. This is a rare example from this period. It comes from a refill butt and has a golden olive oil hue, with a subtle green tint. The nose is very pungent: a combination of the struck matches and brimstone we associate with European oak, mingling with peat smoke. Behind these lurk more delicate scents of Madeira cake and Perrique Virginia pipe tobacco. Water introduces footbaths, bath salts and antiseptic mouthwash, but the elusive cake note is still present in the background. Not in the taste! Oh no! Powerfully smoky, like coal smoke, after a sweet start and considerable saltiness. A medium length finish.

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