An undeniable highlight among the new bottlings in the Single Malts of Scotland series is this Bunnahabhain 1980. A sherry butt which was bottled in 2014 but released just now, two years later.
Bunnahabhain 34 yo 1980 (46,6%, Single Malts of Scotland 2014, sherry butt #847945, 257 btl.)
Bunnahabhain 34 yo 1980 (46,6%, Single Malts of Scotland 2014, sherry butt #847945, 257 btl.)Nose: yes, yes, richness and delicacy all the way. Classic fruity notes (oranges, dried apricots, pineapple), with a light waxy edge and some leathery touches. Cinnamon and mint. Also almond notes and restrained oak. In the background I got a slight burnt sugar note.
Mouth: fruity start (rhubarb jam, stewed fruits) but more nutty notes now. Mocha and cinnamon. Minty oak and wax. Dusty books. Nicely integrated, nothing stands out really, you just get the overall polished, old-style Bunna profile.
Mouth: fairly long, still some fruity sweetness alongside the oak spices.
A complex, smooth and generous Bunnahabhain. Not really a surprise with this combination of distillery, vintage and bottler, but still, excellent result. Around € 245 from TWE.
Score: 90/100