Whiskay was kind enough to send me a sample of this ‘Little Sleaping Bear Boy’. It has a soft, melancholic label illustration by Japanese artist Maito Yamamoto. To be honest I don’t know the bottler, but whiskyhuichang seems to be involved and I saw some tasting notes by Stefan Van Eycken.
Anyway the whisky is a Bunnahabhain 1980, bottled after 45 years of maturation. It comes in a very aesthetic box.
Bunnahabhain 45 yo 1980 (44,2%, 2025, refill sherry butt #91, 446 btl.)
Nose: a gentle, aromatic start with peach candy, linseed oil and silver polish, fennel seeds and soft menthol. Some lime blossom, a hint of white pepper and soft beeswax, or waxed paper. Underneath there is a subtle umami note, almost meaty, even though the ensemble is rather fragile. Then some faded potpourri, high quality oak and a coastal edge.
Mouth: the wood is undeniable – sappy, slightly resinous oak. Also this peculiar mix of tobacco leaves and light marihuana that I got in this vintage before. Then salted plums, some sour berries, with marmalade and lemon zest. Just a hint of cold coffee, along with green tea, hints of putty and salt.
Finish: gentle again, not very long, on zesty citrus and herbal tea.
These very old Bunnahabhains can show funny notes and feel very delicate, even a little disjointed. This one keeps itself together and is actually really pleasant. Quite a unique profile, even though the wood makes itself known quite prominently (in an aromatic way, not a tannic way). One bottle left at Whiskay, I believe.