For Islay’s 2024 Feis Ile competition, Bunnahabhain launched two particular editions. David reviewed the primary of those a number of months in the past, and I’m bringing you ideas on quantity two, a 14-year-old single malt aged in ex-bourbon barrels and completed in ruby Port hogsheads (time unspoken).
Bunnahabhain, which is usually sherried, can usually current with a considerably sharp, musty nostril, however the usage of Port helps to raise that into a brand new dimension, showcasing raisins and cinnamon, however filtered by means of a barely leathery spine and a mild greenness that exhibits how, at 14 years of age, this whisky nonetheless comes throughout as relatively younger and tender.
The palate retains Port in focus, the raisin leaning into cherry fruit, then layering on a major nutty high quality — walnut, primarily. Loads extra cinnamon and nutmeg may be discovered right here, after all, together with a sprinkling of purple pepper powder. The end sees a pop of vanilla and milk chocolate earlier than a extra austere, barrel-driven high quality emerges, drying issues out with a layer of furnishings polish, leather-based, and tobacco leaf. It’s a mildly savory method to wind down what might have in any other case offered as just a bit too candy.
117.4 proof.
A- / $214 (700ml) / bunnahabhain.com
Bunnahabhain Feis Ile 2024 Ruby Port Cask End 14 Years Outdated
$214
