Simon Tastes the Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Bunnahabhain Moine 2004/17YO Aussie Exclusive
Kelvin, Yao (Elysian Whisky Bar), Marcus, Cody (Hains & Co/Ralph Louis Frederick) and I have been chatting for quite some time about doing a colab release together. This culminated with Simon dragging several samples back to Aus from Scotland in his suitcase in March 2022.
The Bunnahabhain Moine we've ended up selecting was certainly the best of the lot, with all of us loving this malt (even the peat-adverse Marcus Motteram). Personally, from the first nosing I was floored by the incredible quality of the Oloroso sherry butt used, and how well the peat smoke from the Moine has integrated into the overall aroma.
On to the tasting...
Colour (as if it matters): rich amber
Nose: complex & powerful aromas of dried fruits (sultanas and orange peel) and heavy walnut nuttiness, alongside an old leather wallet, autumnal forest floor, cigar box tobacco and mellow bonfire peat smoke.
Palate: An oily texture holds all the flavours well in the mouth. Building grape-like sweetness alongside the sweet character of the malt (digestive biscuit), and large swathes of everything that came through on the nose. The peat is a drying old cigar peat, that balances with the sweetness well. Subtle christmas spice (nutmeg & cinnamon).
Finish: Very long finish, with the peat drying out and the sweet sultana fruits remaining. Really pleasant!
Overall: A really impressive whisky. The balance in this one handles the 58.3% ABV with incredible ease. Super complex with flavours that go on for days.
700ml 58.3% ABV