This Bunnahabhain 1980 in the Perfect Dram series says on the label Selected and approved by Master Taster F. Thomas. Does anyone know him?
There has been a whole series of Bunnas from this vintage, released over the last few years, mainly by German bottlers. I don’t recall any bad ones.
Bunnahabhain 34 yo 1980
(47,1%, The Perfect Dram 2014, refill sherry butt, 504 btl.)
Bunnahabhain 34 yo 1980Nose: nicely aromatic, with a deep, gentle fruitiness of apricot, melon and oranges. Gooseberries. Hints of honey and fragrant meadow flowers. It’s not just fruity though, there’s a coastal side to it, as well as a minty / resinous side. Plenty of polished oak too.
Mouth: a honeyed fruitiness again. Fresh fruits (plums) and dried fruits (golden raisins) in equal amounts – although the sherry influence is quite moderate. Orange cake and almonds. Hints of green tea with passion fruit. A bit of cinnamon and leather from the oak. The lightest hint of salt.
Finish: long, fairly dry and oaky, with hints of honey, apple peelings and ginger.
A very nice profile, combining a mellow fruitiness and beehive notes with a subtle coastalness. To think this was a mere € 100 just three years ago. Now around € 250.
Score: 89/100