Bunnahabhain Feis Ile 2022 Whisky Sample 2004 17 Year Old Moine Tokaji Cask Finish (30ml, 52.2%)

Tasting Notes

Nose: Remarkably floral and "bright." It opens with honeysuckle, jasmine, and orange blossom. The Tokaji influence provides a lush fruitiness—poached pears, apricot jam, and lemon curd. The peat is "Mòine-style"—not medicinal, but rather an earthy, dry woodsmoke with a hint of salted almonds and fresh sea spray.

Palate: Syrupy and oily. The arrival is a burst of honeycomb and golden raisins, followed by a savory surge of charred seafood and rosemary-infused smoke. Mid-palate, it turns toward "saccharine smoke"—notes of white chocolate, vanilla fudge, and grilled peaches. There is a curious, welcome mineral touch of wet slate and brine.

Finish: Long and "candied." The smoke lingers like candied ash and distant embers, balanced by a final, floral lift of elderflower and green grapes. It leaves a drying, slightly herbal impression of white pepper and ginger.

Why it's special

• The "Sweet Wine" Trick: Tokaji is one of the world's most concentrated sweet wines. Its high sugar content creates a "barrier" against the peat, resulting in a whisky that tastes "thick" and luxurious rather than sharp and smoky.

• The Mòine Character: Unlike Laphroaig or Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain’s peated spirit is famously vegetal and mossy. This earthy profile acts as a perfect soil for the floral, fruity Tokaji notes to bloom.

• The 17-Year Maturity: At 17 years, the spirit has lost its youthful "bite." The alcohol is beautifully integrated, allowing you to taste the delicate sandalwood and white sugar notes that usually get lost in high-proof festival bottlings.