Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2012 9 Year Old Warehouse 9 Oloroso Hogshead 100761 2021 Release (30ml, 54.7%)

Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2012 9 Year Old Warehouse 9 Oloroso Hogshead 100761 2021 Release (30ml, 54.7%)

This expression is a masterclass in the "unpeated" Bunnahabhain style, matured in a high-quality Oloroso Hogshead. While the "Mòine" we discussed previously was about smoke and fire, this Warehouse 9 Hand-Filled release (Cask #100761) is all about the distillery’s elegant, nutty distillate being allowed to fully absorb the dark, spiced richness of the sherry wood.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich, inviting, and deeply aromatic. It opens with a concentrated burst of sticky dates, sultanas, and spiced orange peel. The Oloroso wood provides a sophisticated backdrop of roasted hazelnuts, dark muscovado sugar, and a hint of old leather. A faint maritime breeze—typical of Bunnahabhain—cuts through the sweetness with a touch of sea spray.

Palate: The texture is luxuriously oily and syrupy. The entry is a wave of Christmas cake and dark chocolate truffle, followed by the savory richness of walnuts and pecans. Mid-palate, the spice profile builds beautifully with cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Despite the high ABV, it is surprisingly rounded, with the "distillery oiliness" providing a velvety mouthfeel.

Finish: Long, warming, and resonant. The sweetness of the dried fruits slowly transitions into a dry, elegant oakiness. It leaves a final, lingering impression of espresso beans, cinnamon, and a savory, salty tang on the back of the throat.