Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2011 10 Year Old Aonadh 2021 Release(30ml, 56.2%)

Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2011 10 Year Old Aonadh 2021 Release(30ml, 56.2%)

The Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old "Aonadh" (2021 Release) is a standout expression from the distillery’s limited-edition series. The name Aonadh (pronounced "Oon-ouch") is Gaelic for "Union," which perfectly describes the marriage of two distinct maturation styles.

Unlike a typical finish where the whole batch moves from one wood type to another, this was a deliberate blending of fully sherry-matured casks and port-finished casks, all distilled on the same day in February 2011.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Deep and dessert-like. It opens with rich brandy butter, creamy vanilla, and caramel. The fruit influence is prominent, showing dark forest berries (blackberries and wild strawberries) and a hint of cherry liqueur. There’s a sophisticated savory edge of worn leather and roasted walnuts, with just a tiny, clean whiff of sea spray.

Palate: Thick, oily, and intensely spicy. The arrival is a surge of sweet red and black fruits (think plum jam and redcurrants). This is quickly balanced by cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mid-palate, the Port influence brings a "winey" tannins and a touch of dark chocolate. True to the distillery's location, a distinct saltiness develops toward the back, cutting through the heavy sweetness.

Finish: Long and warming. It leaves a lingering trail of chilled chili chocolate, roasted nuts, and floral candy. The final fade is dry and elegant, with a return of that maritime brine.

Why it's special 

• The Post-Maturation Marriage: By maturing the spirits separately and blending them afterward, Bunnahabhain’s blenders (led by Julieann Fernandez) could dial in the exact ratio of the "nutty" Sherry influence against the "jammy" Port influence.

• Cask Strength Power: At 56.2%, this is significantly beefier than the standard 12-year-old. It has a "weight" that allows it to stand up to the rich, fortified wine notes without getting lost.

• The "Coastal Fudge" Profile: This bottle is famous for its "brandy butter" and "caramel" notes. It’s essentially a liquid dessert, but the saltiness keeps it from feeling like a "syrup."