The monthly SMWS Bunnahabhain is a peated one this time. Distilled in February 2008 this whisky has spent its life in a refill ex-Bourbon barrel. One of 224 bottles. Lightly Peated profile.
Nose: Light but oily and slightly dirty smoke – rather engine room. The lightened with golden syrup drenched oats, and some nuttiness. The nose is lifted and freshened by lemon juice, a pinch of salt and slight metallic edge – rather like brushed steel. Water brings out juicier fruits – apples and pears and enhances the citrus aromas further.
Taste: Immediate smoke and char, but sweeter and less dirty and oily. Stewed apples are joined by honey and toffee and rich malts. The addition of water makes for some syrupy sweetness and lessens the peat influence.
Finish: Long moving through sharp citrus into bonfire embers and ending with more medicinal coastal-based peat.
One of the better peated Bunnahabhains of recent months with a lovely progressive finish which shows off both earthy smoke and iodine-packed coastal smoke whilst not letting either of them take a full hold. Good stuff.