Bunnahabhain 1997 Exclusive Malts CWC

This Bunna was bottled by David Stirk's Creative Whisky Company in their Exclusive Malts Series. It cam from cask 6223, bottled in 2010 as a 12 Year Old single cask. It was distilled in 1997, the year in which the head distiller decided to create quite a bit of peated spirit (which is not the house style of Bunnahabhain). He's got a wonderful golden color, almost bronze, and beads wonderfully in the glass.

On the nose, it's a battle between peat and sweetness. Vanilla and lemon versus earthy notes and a gas station scent. And it keeps developing in the snifter. I get some toffee notes and something vetegal as well. Quite a greasy nose, actually.

The attack is, due partly to the high ABV, quity spicy (cloves), but at the same time very creamy. Heavily peated, but also sweeter than expected. The battle is now raging between tar and citrus. Mmmm...

The finish is fairly long with a salty tang at the death.

Yes, the folks from this Islay distillery know how to create a peaty jewel in their stills. Damn, this is good stuff! David Stirk chose a supercask. Ideal in these winter temperatures.

Find where to buy Bunnahabhain whisky