Distilled: 1976 | Stated age: 31 years old | ABV: 47% | Region: Islay | Country: Scotland | Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
Distillery description
Bunnahabhain is a Scottish distillery located on the remote northeast coast of Islay. It was founded in 1881 by William Robertson (of Robertson & Baxter) in partnership with Greenlees Bros on a site with access to water from the River Margadale, which provided ideal conditions for whisky production. The name "Bunnahabhain" comes from the Gaelic word for "mouth of the river." Unlike other Islay distilleries that focus on single malts, Bunnahabhain's still was primarily used for blended whiskies, including Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, and later Black Bottle. The distillery was closed between 1982 and 1984, but when it reopened, it launched its first official 12-year-old single malt. Bunnahabhain's distillate is smooth, malty, and has a maritime influence due to its proximity to the coast. Unlike most Islay distilleries, Bunnahabhain uses unsmoked malt for its regular single malt production, setting it apart from the peaty whiskies typical of the area. Since 2013, Bunnahabhain has been part of the Distell group.
Bottle description
Bunnahabhain 1976 is a single malt whisky that was bottled by independent distillery Murray McDavid as part of their prestigious Mission Cask Strength series. This range focuses on limited bottlings of exceptional and rare whiskies, often from closed distilleries or very old stocks. Distilled in 1976, this whisky has been matured for 31 years in Oloroso Sherry casks, giving it a complex and deep flavor profile with rich notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice.
The bottle bears the signature of the legendary Jim McEwan, who played a vital role in the restoration and reopening of the Bruichladdich distillery in 2001 and held the position of master distiller until 2015. His signature appears only on truly exceptional bottlings that are still prized among whisky connoisseurs and collectors today.
Nose: Intense and rich with notes of dried fruit, especially raisins and plums, complemented by spices, chocolate, and nuts, typical of Oloroso sherry casks.
Taste: Full and balanced, with rich notes of dried fruit, chocolate, honey, and spices, harmoniously combined with light woody notes.
Finish: Long and warm, with lingering notes of dark fruit and subtle spice.
The auctioned bottle is numbered 511/1025 and comes in a stylish wooden box.
Size: 700 ml | Duty stamp: CZ | Packaging: wooden box