Bunnahabhain 1973 40 YO The Birthday Dram

Bunnahabhain 1973 40 YO The Birthday Dram, 48,5 %

Here's a special treat! I have fondness for old Bunnahabhain whiskies (and young). I was therefore very happy when our friend Jan Petter wanted to share a dram of his Bunnahabhain 1973 40 YO The Birthday Dram. This is an independent bottling, single cask from The Whiskyman. The total outturn was 155 bottles.

Nose (24/25): Wonderful sweetness. Love Hearts (the hard candy), apricots, Haribo Peach Gummies (again candy), vanilla, and marshmallows. Lots of tropical fruits after a bit; mango and pineapple stand out. Love this nose! Far in the background you can barely sense faint maritime notes and the tiniest whiff of smoke.

Taste (23/25): Deep and rich. Warm and sweet. Very creamy and full. Mild fruits of the tropical variety to taste as well; pineapple and apricots. A pinch of pepper and some vanilla.

Finish (23/25): On the finish there is a whisper of oakiness, but just as a 'spice' really. Mild pepper, citrus notes, citrus zest actually. Rich and creamy till the end. The finish brings an added dimension in a fresh touch of peppermint. The vanilla notes and the hard candy fruit drops are just delectable!

Balance (23/25): What a wonderful, and perfectly balanced dram! I have now tasted three 1973 vintage Bunnahabhain drams at 40+ YO, and they are all fantastic.

Score (93/100)

Thanks Jan Petter, another fantastic treat!

Sláinte! - Thomas