Maltbarn has released four new expressions: Ledaig 2005, Longmorn 1992 (what a surprise), Ben Nevis 1997 and this Bunnahabhain 1987 matured in a sherry butt.
Bunnahabhain 26 yo 1987 (49,9%, Maltbarn 2014, sherry butt, 121 btl.)
Bunnahabhain 26 yo 1987 (49,9%, Maltbarn 2014, sherry butt, 121 btl.)Nose: very coastal but quite fruity at the same time. Sweet grapefruit, apple peel, hints of peaches. The some walnuts and lemon, as well as faint verbena and linseed oil. Maybe a Fino butt. Some leafy notes and wax. Gets fruitier (slightly tropical) with water.
Mouth: relatively fruity again, gooseberries, apples and lemon sweets. Mid-palate there is a big boost of brine and mineral notes, accompanied by ginger and peppery oak, even some curry and mint. Comes down nicely on vanilla custard with lingering fruits. Again a slight earthy touch.
Finish: long, fairly neutral, with cereal notes, soft cinnamon, lemon and banana.
A complex Bunna, fruity and coastal at the same time. It looks like most of these 1987 casks have a relatively low sherry influence (not the usual Oloroso type in any case). Around € 150.
Score: 88/100