Bunnahabhain, the renowned Scotch whisky distillery on the northern shores of Islay, proudly announces the launch of its new 21 Year Old Cask Strength whisky. This limited-edition expression is crafted from only 21 specially selected casks, with just 2,682 bottles made available, marking it as a highly coveted release for collectors and whisky lovers alike.
Key Details of the Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old Cask Strength Whisky
- Limited Availability: Only 2,682 bottles produced.
- Annual Release: This whisky will be an annual limited-edition bottling.
- Pricing and Retailers: Available at select retailers, including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, as well as the Bunnahabhain Distillery website, for £275.
Crafting the 2024 Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old Cask Strength Whisky
The Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old is a masterpiece of traditional whisky-making techniques and premium cask selection:
- Distilled on Islay’s Northern Shores: Known for its unpeated whisky, Bunnahabhain continues to craft distinctive, sherried expressions.
- Matured in Ex-Oloroso Sherry Butts: Nearly two decades of maturation were followed by a 21-month finishing period in Pedro Ximénez casks, imparting rich, sweet sherry notes.
- Bottled at Cask Strength: At 53.6% ABV, this whisky offers a bold and full-bodied flavor profile, as intended by the Master Blender.
Tasting Notes: A Bold and Complex Islay Expression
Master Blender Julieann Fernandez has crafted a whisky that showcases the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. Expect a sensory journey with the following:
- Colour: Deep cinnamon
- Nose: Sweet aromas of dried fruits, nutmeg spice, honey, and caramelized walnuts, with a hint of oak.
- Palate: Spicy cinnamon and clove, transitioning into syrupy notes of raisins, figs, candied cherries, and a touch of licorice.
- Finish: A lingering, rich finish of toasted coffee and cocoa.
Bunnahabhain: A Unique Islay Distillery
Bunnahabhain stands out on Islay for producing traditionally unpeated whisky, a contrast to the island’s signature heavily peated styles. According to Distillery Manager Andrew Brown, “This 21 Year Old Cask Strength is everything you’d expect from Bunnahabhain – unpeated, sherried, and distinctly honeyed, thanks to the Pedro Ximénez cask finish.”
Brown also noted, “Sampling whisky straight from the cask at our Islay distillery is a rare experience for most. This release captures that essence, bringing the distillery’s magic directly to whisky lovers around the world.”
A Must-Have for Whisky Collectors
With its limited production and exceptional flavor profile, the Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old Cask Strength is a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs. This expression represents the essence of Islay’s whisky-making traditions, delivered in a bold, complex, and memorable dram.