This is the relatively new version of Bunnahabhain 18 Years. The distillery owners Burn Stewart ditched the caramel colouring and chill-filtration and upped the strength to 46.3% around 2012 if I’m not mistaken.
Matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks, proportions unknown.
Bunnahabhain 18 yo
(46,3%, OB +/- 2016)
Nose: such a nice surprise. Really nice dried apricots, with a leathery hint and some dusty notes that I really like. Highly elegant sherry influence. Cinnamon and red berries. Honey coated nuts and butter pastry. Oak polish. Rich, velvety with a light coastal touch. Beautiful.
Mouth: similar thoughts. Fairly mellow, oily arrival, with subtle, oldskool sherry notes again. Honey coated almonds. Brazil nuts. Hints of chocolate. Raisins and red apples. Some oak spices (nutmeg, cinnamon) and a dry hint of Brandy de Jerez.
Finish: not too long, but nicely smooth, on dried fruits with a salty edge.
A great gentleman approach to the Islay character. Layered and complex for a standard bottling, recommended. Around € 100.
Score: 89/100