Bunnahabhain 1977

27 year old Islay 50.6 % vol

1 of only 201 bottles from cask 7850

We have always been impressed by how well Bunnahabhain is made: it invariably satisfies, but this elderly expression adds layers of complexity to the original make. It has been drawn from an American oak hogshead and has a deep amber colour, shot with orange. The nose is immediately deep and heady, with an indefinable floral/fragrant note that might be honeysuckle. Some hair lacquer and warm vinyl, then snuff and cedar-lined cigarette boxes and the waxed paper in an empty tobacco tin. It changes all the time. Water increases the waxiness of the paper to candlewax, and raises vanilla ice cream and light coconut (both aromas from the wood). In the mouth, the texture is chewy and the flavour engagingly sweet-and-sour, with lingering coconut. In superb condition for its age, and a splendid example of the make.

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