Single malt whisky - tasting notes

01 Sep 2010

Bunnahabhain 1968 (Malts of Scotland)

Posted by: Ruben In: Bunnahabhain

This is one of the other old Bunnahabhain that were released in the past few weeks, a 41 years old Bunnahabhain 1968 bottled by Malts of Scotland. It was matured in an ex-bourbon cask this time.

Belgium is currently the only region where they are distributing it (contrary to a widely available Bunnahabhain 1967 bottled at the same time), but I’ve heard that part of the available stock will go to other countries in the future.


Bunnahabhain 1968 - Malts of Scotland Bunnahabhain 41 yo 1968 (40%, Malts of Scotland 2010, bourbon hogshead #12291, 164 btl.)

Nose: very tropical right from the start. Ripe mango, banana, tangerine, juicy pears, plums… very warm. Lots of vanilla and coconut cream as well. Nice floral touches. Little oak but after a while, some spices come out (cinnamon, hints of nutmeg). Beeswax and honey. Still the whole is really dominated by the fruits (not a bad thing of course). Impressive how vividly fruity this is after 40+ years. Mouth: enough weight despite the low alcohol volume, a bit more oily now, the sweet fruitiness seems to be dimmed as soon as it appears. In the middle, the tropical side is struggling a bit to get past the oaky notes and spices. But it wins and returns to peach, mango, grapefruit and a little mint. Finish: medium length, with soft tannins.

Another great Bunnahabhain to recommend.
A different style than yesterday’s Whisky Agency bottling, but just as good. Same pricing: about € 215.

Score: 92/100

Bunnahabhain 1968 (Malts of Scotland) 4.5 Ruben Luyten 2010-09-01

Categories

Calendar

May 2013
M T W T F S S
« Apr    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

  • WhiskyNotes: Thanks but a full bottle is probably too much just to get an impression of a supposedly mediocre distillery ;-) Thanks for your comments S.
  • S.: Hi Ruben, I forgot to mention you that alongside the very good Benriach 1976 PX Finish 54.1% I already mentioned you, I also tried the 1990 Tawny Por
  • WhiskyNotes: I meant that in an affirmative way: you absolutely wouldn't be tempted to think this was distilled on Islay, because it's clearly different.

Coming up

  • Bowmore 1996 (TWA Faces)
  • Braeval 1994 (Liquid Library)
  • Laphroaig 2000 (Perfect Dram)
  • Glen Moray 1995 (Carn Mor)
  • Longrow Rundlets & Kinderkins
  • Glenfarclas Chairman's reserve 175
  • Balvenie Tun 1858 (batch 1)

1259 notes by Ruben

WhiskyNotes - Ruben LuytenThis blog is my personal collection of impressions, written while searching for the ultimate single malt whisky.