Bunnahabhain Feis Ile 2018 - Spanish Oak Finish Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 16 Year Old · 2002 Vintage

Nose

There’s a big, funky opening to this that’s like walking past a cheesemonger. This is followed by pickled herring and a vegetal element – mashed neeps, gravy. It’s almost meaty, with a hint of the cowshed, silage and a gamey element (well-hung venison), then some classical elements of clove, date and prune, with extra lashings of leather. Water retains the vegetal element and the old-school weighty funk (à la Ben Nevis/Glen Scotia)

Palate

Big, with a light, struck match element adding a smoky note. There’s some toasted cereal on the tip of the tongue before meat juices pool in the centre. Fat and still funky, mixing sweetness with an oiliness. It has Bunna’s ginger notes, but this is a deeply savoury, gamey version. With water added, it becomes less hot and slightly sweeter, dropping into black fruits with the sulphur more in check.

Finish

Robust and long.