Bunnahabhain 31 Year Old 1978 Signatory Vintage

Bunnahabhain, which translates into 'mouth of the river', is looked upon by many drammers as the odd one out on Islay, as it is the distillery on that 'Island of Peat' to produce unpeated spirit. They do use peat-rich waters, though. However, in 1997, quite a bit of peated spirit was produced to appease the 'peatheads'. But now I'll be trying the 31 Year Old from Signatory, distilled on 3rd April 1978 and bottled on 24th April 2009, from refill butt 2586. Only 598 bottles were made (mine is number 16).

The nose offers sweetness in terms of honey, caramel and even some licquorice, but also has rubbery notes on offer. I'm reminded of a bicycle tire or even the soles of brand new sneakers. But it is in no way a 'dirty' Bunna. Adding water makes it even sweeter.

It's quite creamy and prickly on the palate, with licquorice and nuts, but also something that makes me think of... errr... perspiration (sweat is such an ugly word). In that respect it's quite similar to the Bunna 25 Year Old I tasted last September (notes elsewhere on Connosr). I do prefer this one, however.

The finish is short on licquorice with a pinch of salt.

This is the kind of unpeated Bunnahabhain that forms the heart of Black Bottle and Famous Grouse.

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