Bunnahabhain 1987 (Whisky Agency)

Enough independent Bunnahabhain 1987 to fill my bathtub these days. Here’s one of my personal favourites.

Bunnahabhain 26 yo 1987 (50,4%, The Whisky Agency ‘Mollusc & Medusa’ 2014, refill hogshead, 210 btl.)

Nose: nice to see so many fruit notes. Orange wine gums, Cointreau, apricot and Cantaloupe. Some yellow flowers and beeswax. Floral honey. There’s a soft edge of linseed oil and coastal references. Really nice, its style hints towards the 1980 casks (and much older ones).

Mouth: rich, very bright and fruity again, slightly candied. Apricot jam, plums, apple peel, rhubarb, maybe a little nectarine, although the coastal side caps a few of the tropical hints. Impressive freshness, and a nice combination with gentle brine and a gingery sharpness.

Finish: quite long, with honeyed notes, brine and liquorice.

These Bunna’s from 1987 can be totally different. I’ve had austere and briny Fino casks, Karuizawa-style dark sherry casks and now a bright, rather fruity version – which is my favourite. Check it out, I find it quite excellent. Around € 165.

Score: 90/100