I followed an online tasting organised by Whiskybase last night, with some recent bottlings by Berry Bros. & Rudd. Well, actually my kids held me back a little so I only got to try the last few, I will revisit the rest in due time.
Here’s one of the bottles that came by: a Bunnahabhain 2003.
Bunnahabhain 15 yo 2003 (46%, Berry Bros. & Rudd 2019, sherry butt #4002)
Nose: a fairly fruity sherry cask. Oily fruits (stewed apples, orange peels, quinces) with raisins and butterscotch. Drier notes as well, think dried grass, wet leaves and earthy touches. Light custard and latte notes, as well as a wee minty touch.
Mouth: fairly sweet, slightly honeyed even, and although it may have benefited from a higher strength, it’s very drinkable. Still on stewed fruits (yellow plums, yellow apples and dates) with gingerbread, lots of orange peels and spices (clove, nutmeg). Seville oranges, lots of malty notes, hints of toffee and caramel. Still some hay. Milk chocolate in the end.
Finish: medium long, on malty flavours (Ovaltine), ginger and toffee. Some walnuts as well.
Fairly good Bunnahabhain, with a balanced sherry influence. In line with official bottlings I would say. Available from Whiskybase but also from TyndrumWhisky for instance.