I was thinking of reviewing the Bunnahabhain 18 for a long time but I never got to it for various reasons. It’s a Bunnahabhain day at Feis 2016 today and since John MacLellan who was Bunnhabhain distillery manager for a long time passed away this year and the 18 yo was his favorite child, I think it’s about time to go ahead.

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old (46.3%, £68.45/€99,99/$99.99)

Nose: rich and velvety, caramel and toffee. A lot of sherry notes: soaked raisins, nutmeg and a bit of cinnamon, dried sour berries, dark chocolate. But it’s also carries some saltiness and some leather-ness (yeah, not a real word but you get the meaning, right?) after a while.

Palate: Leathery, nutmeg, salt, dark chocolate and espresso grounds, sour and vinegary red berries (ala old sherry), gentle wood spices.

Finish: Medium length, spices and salt, dark chocolate with lingering sherry fruitiness.

Thoughts: Excellent and classic Bunnahabhain sitting on the golden spot of price, age and quality. No wonder John loved it so much. Slainte!