This Bunnahabhain 1988 from the latest batch of Wemyss releases was sold out in no-time. Just look at the colour and you know that you’re dealing with a heavy sherry influence.
Bunnahabhain 26 yo 1988 ‘Kirsch Gateau’ (56%, Wemyss 2014, sherry butt, 442 btl.)
Nose: very rich and highly aromatic. A true sherry bomb. Lots of black cherries, ginjingha, rum & raisins, moeilleux with bits of raspberry, all the usual suspects really. Cinnamon and clove. Hints of walnuts. Very nice touches of polished oak as well. On par with the best GlenDronach releases.
Mouth: similar chocolate cake associations, with red fruits, dates, cassis and cinnamon rolls. Molasses. Very thick, but also fairly dry after a while, with mint, cloves and the kind of dry oakiness of high-strength bourbons.
Finish: not as long as expected, but a tad rounder again. Figs and spices.
Pretty great Bunnahabhain if you’re into sherry bombs. You’ll also have to stand some oak, mid-palate. Bloody intense and definitely up there with GlenDronach. Around € 160. Thanks Wim.
Score: 90/100