Welcome back to our brand new tasting series: Old, Rare, & Open. This week, Vin from No Nonsense Whisky reviews a 17 year old Bunnahabhain bottled by Signatory Vintage.
Read last weeks tasting notes on the Glenturret 1979 29 Year Old Signatory Vintage here.
This Bunnahabhain 1984 whisky was matured in a refill butt for 17 years before being bottled by Signatory Vintage in 2001. Only 578 bottles were drawn from cask number 1418, so the opportunity to try this Islay whisky is very scarce. The whisky has also sold only 2 times at auction, once in 2013 and once in 2023 respectively.
The whisky has not been reviewed on WhiskyBase or on WhiskyFun. Bunnahabhain is the only distillery on Islay to produce unpeated malt. The profile is typically rich with dried fruits and vanilla.
“Bunnahabhain 1984 17 YO Signatory Vintage, 50ml, 43% ABV
Sampling the Bunnahabhain 1984, a 17-year-old whisky bottled in 2001 by Signatory Vintage, was a delightful journey. The nose was subtle yet complex, offering a blend of saltiness, oakiness, and a hint of tobacco. It was intriguing to note how the palate brought forward the classic Bunnahabhain funk, complemented by an unexpected charred oak finish. This whisky, while only 17 years old, showcased a depth and character that spoke to the quality of Bunnahabhain’s craftsmanship. It was a testament to the distillery’s ability to produce whiskies with intriguing and layered profiles.
Nose: Subtle, with a bit of saltiness and oakiness, and a hint of tobacco.
Palate: Classic Bunnahabhain character with a bit of funk. The finish has a charred oak quality.
Overall Impression: A good representation of Bunnahabhain, with an interesting character.”
