Whisky Review/Tasting: Bunnahabhain 9 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scotland
Type: Independent bottling by Gordon and MacPhail
Distillation Date: February 7, 2007
Bottling Date: November 17, 2016
Age Statement: 9 years
Maturation Process: Matured in first-fill sherry hogsheads
ABV: 55.8%
Filtration: Non-chill filtered
Coloration: Natural, not colored
Bottle Design: The bottle includes detailed information about distillation and bottling dates, cask number, and maturation process. It also educates consumers about the potential for harmless sediment and cloudiness when water or ice is added.

Nose: Peat smoke, vanilla, honey, a balance of sweetness and smokiness reminiscent of honey barbecue ribs.
Palate: Sweet, with a velvet touch, smooth peatiness, fresh fruitiness, hints of milk chocolate, and a slight cinnamon spiciness.
Finish: Oakiness, a bit of dryness, suggesting a complexity that might indicate an Oloroso sherry cask rather than Fino due to its fruitiness.

The hosts discuss the heritage and dedication of Gordon and MacPhail to showcasing the history and maturation process of their whiskies. The emphasis on the whisky being a product of its past, with the slogan "the future is shaped by what we do today, today's reveals what we did in the past," highlights the importance of tradition and craftsmanship in whisky production.

Bunnahabhain Distillery's location in Scotland and its choice of sherry cask maturation reflect the traditional Scottish whisky-making practices and the influence of sherry casks on the flavor profile of Scotch whiskies.

The host expresses a personal preference for enjoying whisky neat, without dilution, to fully appreciate its flavors.
The review praises the balance of sweetness and smokiness in the whisky, likening it to a well-prepared barbecue dish with honey.

Bunnahabhain 9 Years, independently bottled by Gordon and MacPhail, is a cask strength Scotch whisky matured in first-fill sherry hogsheads.
It features a complex flavor profile with peat smoke, vanilla, honey, fresh fruitiness, milk chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon spiciness.
The whisky is non-chill filtered and naturally colored, with potential cloudiness and sediment formation when water or ice is added, which does not affect its flavor.
The review highlights the heritage and craftsmanship of Gordon and MacPhail and the cultural significance of sherry cask maturation in Scotland.

For Peat Lovers: The smooth peatiness makes it a great choice for those who appreciate peated whiskies but prefer a more balanced smokiness.
For Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: The influence of sherry cask maturation will appeal to fans of sherried whiskies, offering a complex interplay of sweetness and fruitiness.
For Whisky Connoisseurs: The detailed information on the bottle and the unique flavor profile make it an interesting addition to a collector's selection.
For New Whisky Drinkers: The high ABV might be challenging, but its smooth and balanced flavor profile makes it a worthy try for those looking to explore cask strength whiskies.