This tasting session marks the beginning of a new weekly series dedicated to exploring old and rare whiskies: Old, Rare, & Open. Each week, we’ll uncover the unique characteristics and stories behind some of the most exceptional whiskies available, starting with this remarkable Bunnahabhain bottling. Join us on this journey through the world of old and rare whisky excellence.
This Bunnahabhain 34 year old whisky is one of only 150 from the cask and bottled at natural strength by Douglas Laing & Co. Ltd. It was distilled in 1967 and bottled in 2001. Serge Valentin at WhiskyFun was lucky enough to try this single malt in June 2004,. His tasting comments mention notes of herbal tea and fruit, dried orange, and white pepper. 85 points.
However, Serge also says that he thinks this whisky was “bottled a tad too late”, a polarising view for those who are firm in the ‘older the better’ camp. What will Vin from No Nonsense Whisky think?
Review by Vin at No Nonsense Whisky:
“Bunnahabhain 1967 34 YO Old Malt Cask, 5cl, 40.5% ABV
Tasting this Bunnahabhain, distilled in 1967 and bottled by Old Malt Cask in 2001, was an extraordinary experience. Despite its seemingly modest 40.5% ABV, it delivered a surprisingly robust and tannic palate, which I found quite enjoyable. On the nose, it was deep and rich, though not immediately identifiable as Bunnahabhain. However, the palate was a different story, unmistakably revealing its distillery’s character. The three and a half decades of maturation in the cask lent this whisky an irreplaceable depth and a unique mouthfeel that younger whiskies simply cannot replicate.
Nose: Deep, rich, possibly a refill hogshead cask.
Palate: Tastes stronger than 40.5% ABV, tannic in a good way. The palate is more indicative of Bunnahabhain than the nose.
Overall Impression: The age imparts a unique mouthfeel that can’t be replicated in younger whiskies.”
