Another Achrive series - that I have had owe for too long.
I think the latest theme for this blog revolves around clearing my debts.
Content:
Distillate at Bunnahabhain distillery in 1980 and aged in a single cask for 35 years before bottling at a 47.1% natural cask strength. An outturn of 165 bottles. A joint bottling by Spirit Shop Selection & Sansibar.
Bunnahabhain 1980/2015 35YO 47.1%
Nose: Leathery, nuts, vanilla and fruity expressions. Polish oils kind of of sherry casks.
Mouth: Nuts and cream. Decently thick in the mouth, there is depth to it. Sweet and honey fruits with oak spice. There is some addictive sourness too. Waxiness is present with prune notes.
Finish: Sour grapes, oily and nutty.
This is a great high-aged Bunnahbahain to be honest, at least among all the Bunna that I have tried, it is not boring or overly 'polished/pressed' down by the cask. There is good depth and presence of flavours in it. I think the 'sourness' touch is right on point.
Nice scale: 88/100
Caol Ila 1996/2008 11YO 43% Gordon & Macphail's Connoisseurs Choice series.
Distillate at Caol Ila in 1996 and bottled in 2008 with 1st Fill & Refill Sherry Casks. Aged for at least 11 years and ABV was kept at 43%. Part of the Gordon & Macphail's Connoisseurs Choice series.
Caol Ila 1996/2008 11YO 43%
Nose: The ashiness, bonfire and sandy peat. Sea breeze vibes too. There are some saliva notes.
Mouth: Sandy, felt thin and watery in the mouth. It is like a typical Caol Ila 12 YO but you felt it is more tuned down. Rather 'raw'. There are some saltiness notes too.
Finish: It is short and towards nil. Bittery.
Something you would have easily forgotten In the sea of whisky, I would not agree with the tasting notes too; the body is not 'Full'. But I do appreciate the back label is teaching me how to pronounce Caol Ila. I personally felt with a higher ABV, this bottle would definitely perform much better. A lazy job by G&M!
Nice scale: 78/100
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