Bunnahabhain 1994 Cadenhead's Authentic Collection Cask Strength 22 yo

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

We delve into the recesses of Cadenhead's warehouses to find this little forgotten item, a Hogshead Bourbon cask déclined in only 114 bottles, brought out at a time when whisky was not yet unaffordable. This bottling was released to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Cadenhead, Scotland's oldest trading company, now owned by the Mitchell family, who are also the proud proprietors of the Springbank and Glengyle distilleries.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The distillery is clearly recognisable. Costal, delicately iodised, foamy and sea-breezy, full-bodied. Woody vanilla, almonds, honey and gingerbread. Salty, semi-salted butter, sprinkled with cinnamon, baked apples and quince jelly. Nougat. A zest of lemon. In the mouth, bread dough, vanilla pastry cream, filled biscuits, expressive spices, cloves and cumin, and here again a pinch of salt. Brioche, a cloud of milk, then a beautiful finish, on the verge of explosion, very long, just the right amount of fat, sparkling, lemonade and cola, a hint of bitterness, cardamom and bay leaf. A square of brown sugar soaked in tea.

 

In Short, 

It's extremely well done, briochey, with nougat, candied vanilla and a hint of iodine in the background, but it's very discreet. For me, this is the pinnacle of what Bunnahabhain can do without the Sherry, although a touch more iodine would have been welcome to add a little fullness. It remains an excellent product, sold out a long time ago, which with a bit of luck can be found for a very interesting price at auction.

Score : 90 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street