Bunnahabhain 2005 10 YO Small Batch (Cadenhead)

Bunnahabhain 2005 10 YO Small Batch, 46 %

Bunnahabhain is one of my absolute favourite distilleries, and this independent bottling of Bunnahabhain single malt is certainly no disappointment. Independent bottler Cadenhead is behind this particular release. The Bunnahabhain 2005 10 YO Small Batch was distilled in 2005, matured in two bourbon barrels (so this is really a small batch), and bottled in 2015. The total outturn was 540 bottles.

You can buy the Bunnahabhain 2005 10 YO Small Batch in Norway at NOK 850 (3911001), in Sweden at SEK 899 (8015001)

Nose: Light and rich is my first thought here. It is soft, almost delicate, but at the same time rich in sweet smokiness. There's certainly a lot of vanilla and ice cream, and a touch of apples and green grapes. I also get sugary ashes, hints of toast, dried herbs and a pinch of salt.

Taste: Rich mouthfeel. Sweet with vanilla, and some spiciness in the form of black pepper corns. The smokiness is also here mainly manifested as ashes, I think. Still a touch of salt. Somewhat minty and cool in the background.

Finish: Medium long finish. More oily and creamy now. The ashes are still here, but start to morph into sweet wood smoke. We are definitely on or near a beach. The sweetness is now more like milk chocolate. Then creamy chocolate milk. Then, finally, it's chocolate mousse.

Comments: I love this dessert! Did I mention I have a sweet tooth?

Score (88/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas