In the last year or two there’s a worrying (at least for me) trend of rising whisky prices. The new prices today are, how to say it, a bit on the expensive side. This leads me into serious exploration of independent bottlers which usually have a lesser price tag.

I’ve heard very good things on the Dutch bottler Van Wees but never had the opportunity to taste them as their bottlings are not available locally. But lately a friend brought 2 bottles and I was happy to help him taking care of the bottles 🙂

The first one is  a young Bunnahabhain which carry its young age statement proudly: 5 years old and not hiding behind a NAS excuse.

It was matured in Bourbon cask (#800103), distilled Feb 2008 and bottled Nov 2013. Let’s see how this young one behaves.

The Ultimate Van Wees Bunnahabhain 2008 (46%, 323 bottles, buy for € 32.50 here)

Nose: Big punch of peat, yet it’s fresh and clean, smoke like from from wood burning in metal drum, Heather honey, vanilla pudding, surprisingly gentle and restrained for 5 years old whisky

Palate: Ashy, earthy peat, lemon, Heather, bucketful of malt cereal.

Finish: Medium long with light peat, oak, vanilla  and sweetness.

Conclusion: Don’t look for complexity and deep meanings here. This one is an in-your-face young and peaty Bunnahabhain whisky for a good price – drink and enjoy.