Single Cask Release - Rare 1989 Tawny Port Cask Finish

At Bunnahabhain we are known for our unpeated, classically sherried single malts, and this hand-selected 1989 single cask release is quintessentially Bunnahabhain in style with a twist. 

This single cask spent most of its life maturing in Warehouse 4 at Bunnahabhain - the closest warehouse in proximity to Bunnahabhain Bay. Directly impacted and influenced by the tempestuous Hebridean weather and coastal conditions, this warehouse and as such, the casks within it, require close monitoring and restoration on an ongoing basis.

On nosing cask 1894, Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez, realised there was something special about this particular cask, and after tasting a sample, she knew this was a one of a kind. 

Although exquisite, Julieann believed a finish would take cask 1894 to another level, and as such, transferred the liquid into a hand-selected, Portuguese Tawny Port cask. Tawny Port, made from indigenous grapes grown in the colder regions of Douro Valley in northern Portugal, is famed for its characteristics of almonds, toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, dried fruit, butterscotch, toffee, and crème brûlée, similar characteristics to Bunnahabhain new make spirit, making it a perfect pairing.

Month on month Julieann carefully sampled the cask, waiting for just the right moment for that perfect pairing. In December 2022 she found that the whisky was bursting with a harmonious marriage between the Bunnahabhain spirit and the finest Portuguese Tawny Port cask.

*Each bottle is accompanied by a 3cl tasting mini dram.

Colour

Tawny

Nose:

Initial burst of red fruit and apricots with creamy caramel, cocoa and a zesty orange oil.

Palate:

Sweet and fruity with grapefruit segments, stewed cherries and cherries, followed by bitter dark chocolate and honey roasted walnuts.

Finish

Dark chocolate fades to reveal a hint of menthol and a perfumed floral note.