Bunnahabhain 1990 (Master of Malt)

This Bunnahabhain was distilled in December 1990 and aged in a single Spanish oak butt for 20 years before being bottled for Master of Malt in November 2011.

Bunnahabhain 20 yo 1990
(54,1%, Master of Malt 2011, sherry butt)

Nose: starts with some clean matchsticks (pleasant enough, not unlike some Karuizawa) and hints of oxo broth (less pleasant to be honest). Quite savoury, as often with these sherried Bunnas. Plenty of dried fruits (figs, dates) but there’s a sparklingly fresh red berry note as well. Hints of cocoa and bread crust.

Mouth: nicely vibrant with sultanas, prunes and blackberry jam. Big spicy notes as well (cinnamon, soft pepper, aniseed). Roasted almonds. Hints of smoke in the background.

Finish: long  and dry, on cocoa, prunes and Chinese five-spice.

A richly sherried Bunnahabhain. It adds some savoury / meaty aromas to the mix so it might not appeal to everyone. Around € 85, available from Master of Malt. They also offer samples.

Score: 83/100