Bunnahabhain unveils limited edition expressions including rare peated malt

Islay’s most remote distillery, Bunnahabhain has unveiled two new limited edition expressions – a peated Bunnahabhain 2004 Moine Brandy Finish and an unpeated Bunnahabhain 2003 Pedro Ximénez Finish.

The 2004 Moine Brandy Finish is a peated malt that has latterly been matured in brandy casks, which is a first for the distillery. Bottled at 55.7%, the naturally coloured whisky has a complex and intriguing nose of honeyed nuts and rich oak, with hints of dried fruit and grapes, and a smoky peppery finish. Truly distinctive, it has a rich and smooth palate, created by a perfect balance of dried fruit, rich brandy influence and strong smokiness with a lingering sweet finish. The malt has been released to select markets with an RRP of £80.

The second release, a 2003 Pedro Ximénez Finish, is in Bunnahabhain’s more traditional style, an unpeated malt finished in limited edition Pedro Ximénez butts. The rich, syrupy malt has a sweet nose of toffee, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. Bottled at 54.8%, this exceptional whisky is golden in colour, reflecting a deep palate of Pedro Ximénez influence with a taste of toffee, honeyed nuts and notes of raisins and sultanas creating a deliciously long and sweet finish. It will be sold at an RRP of £85.

Bunnahabhain’s location at the northernmost tip of the sound of Islay ensures that all of the on-site warehouses are continually exposed to the seaside elements. This means every bottle of Bunnahabhain has an indelible mark from the sea and a coastal influence, creating to a selection of malts that truly express their geography. This signature salty brine of Bunnahabhain lends itself particularly well to new cask finishes such as the latest releases from the distillery.

Derek Scott, Brand Director – Malt Whisky, at Distell said:  “These latest limited editions give whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to experience unique malts from a truly special distillery.”

“We are extremely proud to showcase our gently peated malt, the 2004 Moine Brandy Finish. The influence of the brandy casks in its final years of maturation has created a wonderful richness and complex palate that really complements the salty character of Bunnahabhain.”

“Our 2003 Pedro Ximénez has been finished in hand-selected sherry casks creating a unique combination of the classic elegant style of Bunnahabhain contrasted by a sweet note drawn from the sherried wood. This has become a favourite of our Distillery Manager, Andrew Brown – having worked in the distillery for over 30 years, he’s certainly qualified to pick a great Bunnahabhain dram!”