Whisky Discovery #350

Bunnahabhain 23 Year Old Abbey Whisky (44% abv, IB, D.1989)

Islay Single Cask Malt Whisky

Circa £79.95 70cl Only available from Abbey Whisky

This is the second release from 'The Rare Casks' series by Abbey Whisky, and follows on from their first release, a 17 Year Old Caperdonich

I was very fortunate to be sent a sample of this magnificent Bunnahabhain, a 23 Year Old single cask, single malt Scotch whisky. This limited edition release was distilled in 1989 and left to rest for 23 years in a refill bourbon barrel before being bottled in 2013 with only 96 bottles filled, in its natural form, at full cask strength, without chill filtering or colour additives.

The 'The Rare Casks' is an exceptional range of limited edition single malt whiskies bottled exclusively by Abbey Whisky, and each release will be available in very limited quantities.

So What Did I Think?

The dram that arrived at Whisky Discovery HQ

The colour of pale gold, the nose opens up with pears, before turning decidedly tropical. A touch of pineapple, but not the fresh cut pineapple itself, but more the aroma of the skin once it's been sliced off. There's mango and lime juice with some linseed oil too

It fresh, fruity, zesty even, but very gentle. The nose continues with aromas of  vanilla, and floral,  notes, delicate blossom, sweet scented jasmine and peach blossom.

On the palate there's a lovely peat reek along with a tender sweetness edged with a citrus tang. The floral note from the nose is more orange blossom now. 

A soft pepper spice gently fades leaving that very tender peak reek and a light saltiness to remind you that this cask matured in a maritime environment.

Overall this is a very gentle Bunnahabhain, exceedingly drinkable and while the nose and palate are very delicate, there is so much enjoyment from the dram I had. It is absolutely delicious!

Want one? You really had better be quick as there are only 96 bottles available from this first release For more information see Abbey Whisky Bunnahabhain 23

Many thanks to Abbey Whisky for considering me to taste this rare whisky. For more information visit their website: www.abbeywhisky.com