Bunnahabhain 1991 "Thread of Smoke" (Wemyss Malts)

Bunnahabhain 1991 "Thread of Smoke", 23 YO, 46 %

This peated Bunnahabhain from 1991 was released by independent bottler Wemyss Malts in September 2014. Bunnahabhain is mostly known for their fine unpeated Islay whiskies, but they are making themselves more and more known for peated whiskies as well now; see Toiteach and Ceóbanach. They also did limited production of peated new make back in 1991 and 1997.

The Bunnahabhain 1991 "Thread of Smoke" is 23 years old, and has been matured in an unspecified hogshead. The total outturn was 302 bottles.

This whisky is still available in Norway at NOK 1550 (item number 1951501), and in Sweden at SEK 1298 (item number 8507601).

Nose (21/25): Mild peat and a bit of salt is the first associations to register with me here. Then I find fruits; apples and pears. Vanilla and hints of dishwasher soap (the old style powder in a cardboard box). Give it more time and I detect canned pears, citrus and honey.

Taste (21/25): Apples, pears, honey and salt again. Tending towards dry with oaky notes. Pepper and hint of ashes.

Finish (22/25): Drier now and more oak. Caramel, salt and wet wood. Then it sort of relaxes and turns more sweet, fruity and less dry.

Balance (21/25): A strange one this. I was expecting a bit of magic, as I really love the experimental peaty Bunnahabhain from 1997. This is not quite up there, and feels less balanced. Maybe it is a bit on the old side as well, should possibly have been bottled a bit earlier.

Score (85/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas