Bunnahabhain 2008 Manzanilla Cask Matured

Aroma: Fresh apples, wood shavings, toasted walnuts, espresso, and yeasty bread. The aroma of alcohol is a bit too strong for my liking when neat, but a small amount of water resolves this, revealing softer notes of caramel and citrus. Palate: A spicy start with hot cinnamon, freshly grated root ginger, lemongrass, and black pepper. There's an underlying hint of honey, but it's the flavor without the sweetness. Malt and treacle develop over time, emerging after the strong initial arrival. Kirsch and green tea appear later. The texture isn't remarkable, and the overall impression is one of restraint. When diluted, the palate becomes more subdued and significantly more relaxed. Finish: Medium to long. The heat and spicy notes gradually fade into a slightly salty, sour finish with flavors reminiscent of sour mash wort. This indicates the presence of dry sherry. With water, the finish develops chocolate notes. A good whiskey that is a bit too reserved when neat, even though the alcohol by volume is just over 52%. I found it significantly improved with a dash of water, which made it much more expressive and less serious. Overall, I enjoyed it but would not purchase a full bottle. Allowing it to sit for a while after adding water further enhanced both complexity and integration. Don't rush this one, and for goodness sake – add water! The word manzanilla in the name should be your guide here – if you enjoy dry sherry, you'll like this right away because the finish is prominent. If you prefer PX and dislike the astringency of dry sherry, you will never get along with this dram. Tasted from a distillery-bottled 50ml miniature "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

Nose - (undiluted) Salted caramel, milk chocolate, raisins, golden raisins, honey-roasted almonds & pecans, sweet pecans, pecan pie, dried apricots (with water) Salted caramel is less prominent, with additional hints of Coke mixed with root beer/sarsaparilla. Taste - (undiluted) Salted caramel, salted pretzels, milk chocolate, sweet pecans, raisins, candied orange peel, candied ginger spice/heat, reminiscent of a salted pretzel with a Rolo caramel candy topped with a roasted pecan half. (with water) Slightly less chocolate emphasis, with added notes of root beer alongside the other flavors. Finish - (undiluted) Lingering gentle warmth, dried fruits, a slight "dried fruit funk" similar to dried papaya, a lingering salted caramel essence. (with water) The fruit "funk" disappears, salted caramel remains, and milk chocolate reappears. Score - 94/100 Final Thoughts - This was remarkably interesting due to the intense salted caramel character. It was like a slightly fruity "Turtles" candy in liquid form, served on a pretzel. It wasn't excessively sweet and was nicely balanced. Adding a small amount of water truly enhances it, revealing a subtle Coke/root beer note in the background and eliminating a peculiar "dried fruit funk" I detect with certain dried fruits. That said, it's very good, but I'd need to be in the right mood for a dram as it's quite distinctive. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes. Would I specifically order it? - Yes. Would I buy a bottle? - Perhaps if it were less expensive. NOTE - All assessments are made without considering price.

A masterfully disappointing experience... I had such high expectations for this. The aroma is intricate and captivating, drawing me into the taste. The initial and middle palate are enjoyable, making me anticipate a superb finish, especially considering the high alcohol content... Sadly, the finish presents an unpleasant bitterness reminiscent of a negroni (specifically the Campari bitterness). It completely spoils the whisky for my palate. I strongly dislike negronis because of this bitter note, to the extent that I prepare mine with Aperol instead of Campari to lessen the bitterness and increase the sweetness. If not for that bitter finish, this rating would likely have been exceptional, but instead, it's a rather ordinary rating and a spirit I won't be seeking out again, particularly at $200.

Excellently crafted, with notes of honey, caramel, and toffee. A long, warm finish, but not overwhelming. Ice diminished it. Best enjoyed neat; a truly fine bottle! Nose: salted caramel, creamy berries, Rich Oak, honeyed cashew nuts, dried fruit and Spice. Palate: pleasing overtones of dried fruit and figs, tumbling With subtle notes of sweet malt, candied fruit, rich oak and coffee. Finish: dried fruit and carmel

Nose: Dried grapes, caramel. Body: A mix of sweet and sour, savory, caramel, and dark fruit. Finish: Mild and sweet. Additional thoughts: An excellent introductory scotch for those who enjoy salted caramel. Despite the alcohol content, it drinks closer to a 40% ABV.

Dried honey, a salted cracker, floral hints and a spicy initial taste, followed by a delicious finish with wood notes and plenty of dried apricots.