Bunnahabhain 1993/2004 McGibbon’s Provenance

This is a bottling I picked up a couple of years ago in Italy. It was a bit of a gamble, although not too much of a risk, since the price wasn’t too high. I since sold it to a whisky buddy of mine, after it was just collecting dust on my shelf, with no chance of being opened soon.

Being the nice guy he is (hi Nathaniel! 😉 ), he gave me a sample of it after he did indeed open it. It’s a rather young Bunnahabhain from 1993. A vatting of two refill hogsheads from Douglas McGibbon, a company associated with Douglas Laing.

Bunnahabhain 1993/2004 (46%, McGibbon’s Provenance, C#DMG1601+02)

Nose: Light, friendly and inviting with a sugary touch. Very malty, with subtle hints of vanilla and white chocolate. Simple and easygoing.
Taste: A quick hit of chili followed by softer spices and wood shavings. A hint of brown sugar, lots of malt. Finally a trace amount of smoke.
Finish: Sweet and spicy, with a little bit of fennel and a touch of green apple. Medium to long.

Rating: 85

A very naked malt, with the spirit in a starring role. The wood influence is very reduced. Very enjoyable.