Bunnahabhain 1998 Aged 23 Years Calvados Cask Finish Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Feis Ile 2022 (700ml)
Volume: 700ml ABV: 49.7% Age: 23 Years Old Country: Scotland
The Bunnahabhain Distilleryis the most northerly and remote on the island of Islay and was opened in 1883 to make use of excess grain from local farmers. The name Bunnahabhain translates as ‘mouth of the river’ and if you ever visit will see that the distillery is built near the mouth of the River Margadale which flows into the Sound of Islay. Pronounced Bú-na-ha-venn, this Islay Single Malt Scotch whisky is quite distinct from the many others on the island, given the wonderfully gentle taste profile for which it is known. Water is piped in from from Margadale Springs and the whisky is distilled twice in the distillery’s unusual pear-shaped pot stills
The Feis Ile is a yearly whisky festival held on the island of Islay on Scoitland’s West coast. The vent takes place each year and during the event each distillery on the island releases a special limited release bottling to celebrate the occasion. This year at Feis Ile 2022 Bunnahabhain released three unique bottlings. Usually only available at the distillery however this year we’ve managed to get our hands on a few of these wonderful Scotch single malt releases.
Distilled on the 28th of October 1998, this limited edition whisky spent over 20 years maturing in a hand picked ex-bourbon barrel. In November 2019 the liquid was moved to a French Calvados cask for finishing and to progress the whisky with notes of sweet orchard fruits, tangy white pepper and fresh oak. Bottled at 49.7% ABV and limited to a small amount of bottles which made their way to Australia.
Our Tasting Notes
Nose: Sweet floral honey notes give quite a fresh approach, there’s ripe pear and stewed apples smothered in freshly made blonde toffee. Some subtle IPA notes of tropical fruit and slight hints of sea salt and garden herbs.
Palate: Muesli, sweet malted barley, freshly baked bread, crunchy red apples and Manuka honey, garden herbs and macadamia nuts with some white pepper and slight bitterness.
Finish: The medium length gives you floral sweet notes, poached apples and soft oak spices.