Bunnahabhain 1969 (SV cask #2025)

A very dark, almost black sherry bottling of Bunnahabhain 1969 by Signatory Vintage. Distilled 17/02/1969 and bottled in January 1995.

By the way, the rare oldies we’re having lately were part of a tasting at Villa Konthor in November 2012. A worthy tribute to the Mara tastings. Thanks a million for passing along some great leftovers, Carsten!

Bunnahabhain 25 yo 1969 (53,3%, Signatory Vintage 1995, sherry cask #2025, 140 btl.)

Nose: intense sherry. Raisins, dates, cherry liqueur, prunes, very ripe yellow apples. A little eucalyptus. Tobacco. Deeply fruity in a way, but with a herbal layer and some oak creeping in. Walnuts. Nice hints of waxed antique furniture.

Mouth: rich sherry, still high on dried fruits but now the dryness is a lot bigger as well. Bitter chocolate, cloves, chicory and coffee. A little cough syrup and burnt bread. Quite heavy, almost too massive. Sweeter and more enjoyable with a few drops of water, yet never really rounded.

Finish: very long, dry, with roasted nuts, bitter herbs and traces of tobacco.

A powerhouse, this old Bunna, with some oaky tannins on top of extreme sherry. Reminds me of certain (older) Strathislas. Around € 350 in auctions.

Score: 89/100