Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2004 18 Year Old Warehouse 9 PX NOE 2022 Release (30ml, 52%)

Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2004 18 Year Old Warehouse 9 PX NOE 2022 Release (30ml, 52%)

This is a particularly special Warehouse 9 Hand-Filled release from 2022. While we previously discussed a PX Finish, this 2004 vintage is a full maturation in a very specific and prestigious cask type: Noé Pedro Ximénez.

Noé is the flagship VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry) from the famous House of Gonzalez Byass. These casks are seasoned with sherry that is over 30 years old. Using these "king of casks" for an 18-year maturation results in a Bunnahabhain that is remarkably dark, concentrated, and decadent.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Breathtakingly dense. It opens with dark molasses, espresso grounds, and liquid chocolate. The "Noé" influence is unmistakable, offering notes of Christmas cake batter, dried figs, and heavy balsamic glaze. Beneath the fruit, you find the 18-year-old Bunnahabhain character: oiled leather, antique furniture, and a persistent maritime saltiness.

Palate: The texture is nearly "syrupy"—it coats the teeth and tongue. The entry is a concentrated burst of Pedro Ximénez sweetness: raisins, dates, and prune juice. This is quickly balanced by a savory, nutty core of roasted walnuts and dark cocoa. Mid-palate, it reveals complex layers of burnt orange peel, star anise, and a touch of tobacco leaf.

Finish: Long, warming, and luxuriously thick. The sweetness of the sherry lingers, but it is beautifully tempered by drying oak tannins and a final, sharp strike of sea salt that reminds you of its Islay origins.

Why it's special

• The Noé Pedigree: Gonzalez Byass "Noé" casks are widely considered the finest Pedro Ximénez casks in existence. To have a Bunnahabhain fully matured in one for 18 years is a rare occurrence that collectors actively hunt.

• Full Maturation vs. Finish: Unlike many whiskies that are only "finished" in PX for 6–12 months, this spirit has lived in the Noé wood for nearly two decades, leading to a much more integrated and profound flavor profile.

• The "Black" Bunna: Visually, this is one of the darkest whiskies you will ever see. Its natural mahogany color makes it a striking centerpiece for any collection and a guaranteed conversation starter.