Bunnahabhain 2008 Pre-Octave (53.2%, Duncan Taylor, 2018)

• Category: Islay single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Bunnahabhain distillery
• Bottling: Duncan Taylor, The Octave, IB
• ABV: 53.2%
• Cost: ?

What they say

For many years, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd. has experimented in the use of differing cask sizes for the maturation of Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch whiskies. The research stemmed from a simple premise that there is more interaction between the wood and the spirit over a shorter period of time in a small cask than in a large cask, therefore allowing a more rapid “melding” of wood, air and alcohol.

What I say

Thanks to Duncan Taylor for the sample.

Distilled at Bunnahabhain in 2008 and matured in an ex-bourbon cask.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: White wine gold (1/20), slow medium-fine tears leave medium legs
• Nose: Sweet, lactic, a little sharp, like lemon and lime juice, polished wood, something a little funky and briny, green banana, vanilla, toasted coconut
• Taste: Medium-bodied, creamy and fizzy, hint of liqourice or tar, fuller fruits, fresh lime but also peach and some black pepper and sour oak wood
• Finish: Long, sharp, drying and tannic, cinnamon spice lingers

Overall

Initially pleasant, this dram develops spirity spice and sourness all over, a few drops of water calmed it down a little but salted & sour oak wood prevail. After a lot more water, creamy vanilla

Score 72/100

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