Bunnahabhain G&M 2009-2017 Cask Strength 60.5%

I don’t have a lot of experience with Bunnahabhain. I’ve tried a couple of expressions at Spirit of Toronto, and I have a mini of the 12 YO, but I haven’t opened it yet.

I would like to thank @Astroke for a sample of this expression. From what I could find out online this appears to be at cask strength, first fill sherry-matured (Hogsheads) from the distillation on March 31, 2009, until its bottling on March 21, 2017, just 10 days shy of 8 years old.

This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting. It is tasted in the Highland whisky glass.

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Nose: 22/25

Fresh. I get baking spices and fruit, both fresh (green apple) and stewed. Water enhances the fruit slightly. Getting a hint of flowers (rose?) (22.5/25)

Taste: 22.5/25

Rich, full mouthfeel. Sweet on arrival, some spices, stewed apples and cinnamon. Maybe a touch of pepper and peat. It is hard to believe this is 60.5% - there's no burn or spiritiness!

Finish: 22/51

Fades quickly. Slightly astringent and peppery.

Balance: 22.5/25

Nicely balanced between nose and palate. What it lacks in complexity it achieves in richness. Very pleasant.

Score: Neat - 89/100 With Water: 89.5/100

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This is a really good whisky. If it were available at a reasonable price now, I would be very, very tempted to pick one up. This has inspired me to seek out and explore more of this distillery’s expressions if I can find them.

Thanks again, @Astroke!

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