After the Bunnahabhain 1998 Calvados end we’re additionally making an attempt the opposite two Feis Ile 2022 bottlings from this distillery.
The primary one is Bunnahabhain Abhainn Araig, which implies Araig river in Gaelic. This NAS whisky has been matured in ex-bourbon and PX sherry octave casks. The opposite one is the closely peated Bunnahabhain Mòine 2004 which was given a second maturation (simply over a yr) in Hungarian Tokaji white wine casks.
Bunnahabhain Abhainn Araig (50,8%, OB for Feis Ile 2022, Pedro Ximénez Octave cask end)
Nostril: begins fairly acquainted, within the sense that you simply get the basic Bunnahabhain profile. Sea breeze and plenty of leafy notes. Some chestnuts and walnuts, in addition to a dry, dusty chocolate character. Truffles certainly. Fairly nutty and autumnal, not unhealthy however I anticipated a extra in-your-face impact from the octave casks.
Mouth: begins oily, with loads of toffee notes, transferring in direction of milk chocolate. Very nutty once more. Now you get a spicy / punchy facet that might be the octave casks. Leathery notes. Walnuts, a touch of salt. Tobacco leaves. The youthful (barely alcoholic) edge is definitely noticeable, it misses fruits and it’s not significantly clear and vibrant both.
End: medium lengthy however immediately thinner, on chocolate coated nuts, mocha and oak.
One other Feis Ile bottling from Bunnahabhain that doesn’t actually impress me. It’s not probably the most spectacular sherry affect and I can’t assist however feeling the core vary expressions supply a lot better worth for cash. Accessible from the Bunnahabhain webshop or Grasp of Malt as an illustration.
Bunnahabhain Mòine 2004 Tokaji End (52,2%, OB for Feis Ile 2022, 1693 btl.)
Nostril: candy wine and heavy peat – it’s the Port Charlotte VDN trick and it does work for Bunnahabhain as properly. I get candy pear and lemon sweet, hints of white grapes and golden raisins. That is properly blended with mentholated (reasonable) peat, thyme syrup, black peppercorns and a touch of sandalwood. Hints of linseed oil and mint.
Mouth: oily arrival, displaying extra chilly ashes now, with vivid citrus notes, unripe pear and extra hints of grapes. A little bit vanilla. There’s a evenly earthy bitterness creeping in, with leafy notes and dried herbs. Fairly medicinal in direction of the top, with some salt and a lightweight woody be aware.
End: fairly lengthy, smoky, with extra herbs and a touch of floral wooden.
Rather more to my liking. A candy wine cask can have a really optimistic impact on a peated whisky, and that’s precisely what is occurring on this Mòine Tokaji launch. Fairly costly in my view however not less than the standard is there. Additionally obtainable from their on-line store. Rating: 88/100
