Stoic Drinker’s Notes
2015-08-03 | Good/Very Good

New Release: BUNNAHABHAIN 1988-2014 WEMYSS MALTS 56%

BUNNAHABHAIN 1988-2014 WEMYSS MALTS 56% - One of 442 bottles, BUTT
Bottle #ブナハーブン(BUNNAHABHAIN)
An exceptional recent sherry cask release that justifies its cask strength bottling. BUNNAHABHAIN 1988-2014 WEMYSS MALTS 56% One of 442 bottles, BUTT The aroma is dominant and strong with sherry, plum, berry jam, espresso, bitter chocolate, bouquet garni, herbal liqueur with a sweet and bitter note, Shaoxing wine, rich, viscous mouthfeel, gradually stimulating with jam-like intense sweetness, full-bodied, deepened by the strong tannic notes of grape skins and herbal liqueur. Rich and long finish. [Good/Very Good] New release from WEMYSS, BUNNAHABHAIN 1988, approximately 26 years old. This is also bottled at cask strength, similar to the recent Bowmore 1995, which is unusual. Although this malt is dominated by the influence of a concentrated sherry cask, the sherry character exceeded expectations. The aroma suggests good bitterness from dried fruits and jams, as well as a Shaoxing wine-like nuance often associated with good sherry casks. It was rich and powerful upon drinking, with the same intense fruits and sweetness as the aroma. The bitterness is strong but well-balanced with the rich sweetness, offering depth, richness, and a diverse flavor profile with a long finish. The rustic nuances typical of BUNNAHABHAIN were not felt until the end, possibly due to the strong cask influence. However, as a malt to enjoy its sherry character, it is exceptionally well-made. While strong bitter types often taste better with water, this one feels balanced even at high proof, suggesting an intention to let drinkers enjoy the high-quality, powerful sherry character of recent vintages.