Bunnahabhain 13 Year Marsala Finish

BUNNAHABHAIN SHOWDOWN Bunnahabhain 13 Year Marsala Finish Bunnahabhain 18 Year My experience with Bunnahabhain is limited to the 12 year and these two bottles. I haven’t had either in a while. While I’ve always enjoyed the 18, I remember not liking the 13 year marsala finish. Let’s see how this turns out. Bunnahabhain 13 Year Marsala Finish Clear dark orange amber color. Notes of honey, biscuity blueberry scone, pine resin, and coffee. There’s an unexpected (to me) raspberry or lingonberry note as well. There are some dates on the palate, along with a hint of bitterness (this is what I recall not enjoying when I last tasted it two to three years ago), finishing with some spiciness that leads to brown sugar and vanilla. A limited release exclusively for the US market. Non chill filtered; no statement about coloring (though it is slightly lighter than the Bunny 18 which does not have added coloring). Aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon casks, followed by three years in marsala wine casks. 46.3% ABV. While there are different notes and flavors, it is more interesting than it is complex: there are still aspects of this whisky that I cannot quite figure out after 30 minutes of nosing and tasting, and it comes across as a little disjointed. 3.5 out of 5 stars. Bunnahabhain 18 Year Clear, orange mahogany color; slightly darker than the Bunny 13. There is a tangy, barbeque sauce quality on the nose (think Heinz 57), dried ham, oak, dark toffee, dates, and some sherry sweetness. More sherry on the palate, with espresso and some noticeable ethanol. The BBQ tang makes a brief appearance on the finish as well, with lingering vanilla sweetness. Non chill filtered; no added coloring. Aged in ex-sherry casks. 46.3% ABV. Very nice. 4.0 out of 5 stars.

A look back at a spirit introduced during pre-game activities for a major whisky event. This bottling takes a 10-year-old standard expression and matures it in Italian Marsala wine casks for an additional three years. Thanks to the kindness of a friend, an extra serving was provided for a later review. This is that review. The appearance is deep caramel and toffee, with thick, oily legs and a steady oil slick around the glass. It is bottled at 46.3% ABV and appears to be naturally colored and non-chill filtered. The bottle is likely rare. The aroma is wonderfully grape-like with some crisp, tart apples. Hints of pie crust and freshly cut oak are present but lack significant depth, appearing and disappearing as it rests. However, the palate offers complexity and depth, a welcome surprise after the nose, with deep rich vanilla and sweet wine. It is sticky-sweet and coats the tongue, remaining until washed away. Some barrel astringency is present, but it aids in releasing warmth, reminding you it's a spirit and not a dessert. The finish is medium in length, warming, and very pleasant. Overall, this was similar to another spirit. It was less enjoyable during a busy event but highly appreciated when sampled on its own, away from distractions. It's a solid, highly-rated dram, and another serving would be welcome for times when a nice, dessert-style spirit is desired. Enjoy.

Another great sample from a hotel tasting in DC. This Bunnahabhain, aged 10 years in former bourbon casks and then finished for 3 years in Marsala red wine casks, bottled at 46.3% ABV, is non chill filtered and has a natural amber color. The aroma strongly features red wine, but this spirit requires patience. Savor it slowly, letting it gradually envelop your senses. Inhaling deeply will obscure the subtle wonders within. Notes of almond butter, marzipan, cherries, and concord grapes emerge, alongside vanilla, bourbon-infused oak, and a hint of mint. It also presents as mixed berry pie filling, glazed donuts, and light brown sugar. It resembles a fine port-finished whiskey, with buttercream frosting and a syrupy quality at the bottom of the glass. Adding water nearly eliminates the aroma but accentuates a buttery note and some grassy elements. The palate is dominated by red wine, cherries, and red grape skins. It has a buttery texture with a touch of pepper. A slightly grassy flavor with hints of toffee and brown sugar is present. Water introduces vegetal and herbal notes but doesn't enhance the taste. A medium-bodied mouthfeel that is lightly oily, coats the mouth, and finishes dry. The finish is long and dry, with notes of red wine, almonds, and grapes. This spirit truly shines through its aroma. I could appreciate the nose indefinitely. The palate is less captivating but still respectable. It's a dram suitable for any time, any day... if you have a preference for sweetness. While unsure of its price, I'd consider it an excellent value if it's under $125. It's best enjoyed without water, as it significantly alters the profile. A score of 4.25-4.5 is easily attainable. Enjoy.

Apricot is not a flavor I recall encountering previously in a spirit, but I detected it here subtly on the nose and in the mouth. It turns out to be one of the main flavors of Marsala, I later discovered while researching this fortified wine made from white grapes. (Score one for my flavor vocabulary, which I rarely feel confident in.) That fruity note is one of many pleasant components in this well-balanced whisky. I also noticed a sweet grape must on the nose and a mild peat that becomes thicker in texture in the mouth — not medicinal or like barbecue sauce but something akin to smoked bread or cake, if such a thing exists. There's also a soft creamy note throughout, including on the long finish where the sweetness and peat blend harmoniously. Despite the wine casks and the smoke, it never feels heavy or overpowering, though I bet the higher ABV version also released is also delicious. A good value at its original price of $80.

A bit of an unusual aroma initially, but don't be misled. That's just the pleasant Marsala cask making its presence known! Almonds are upfront, with vanilla, a subtle green apple/tea, and a tobacco note on the nose. The palate presents marzipan, cream, vanilla, truffles, a touch of smoke, and white pepper. Delightful! The oily, medium-bodied mouthfeel leads to a well-balanced, long finish with hints of smoked fish, capers, and faint ash. This is a welcome departure from the usual offerings from this producer. It will inspire you to explore their wider range. A score of 4.0. The theme for this dram should be a specific song by Gian Campione, as a friend dismissed my last favorite from Italy. I'm just sticking with the cask's region, man.:)

The variety of honey flavors in this spirit is remarkable: honeyed biscuits on the nose, buckwheat honey on the palate, and drying honeycomb in the finish. It possesses a full, delightful flavor, perfect for those seeking an earthy, herbal dram. The aroma also includes hints of buttery pine nuts, almonds, vanilla, and hay. On the palate, a rich, full, and chewy body is laden with notes of biscuits, abundant dried apricots, walnuts, and more vanilla. The finish presents a pleasant, sharp spice character, a touch of dry wine, and stewed vegetables. Nonetheless, the honey element persists throughout, made all the more impressive by the spirit's viscous and full flavor.