Bunnahabhain 2009, 11yo Signatory Vintage, Cask 900083

A fantastic independent bottler has secured some rare casks in the past and bottled this potent Bunnahabhain at 67.7% ABV. This is by far the most intense spirit I've ever experienced. It's not the highest alcohol content dram I've had, as that would be a 90% absinthe (which was surprisingly easier to drink). This 2009 Bunnahabhain, 11 years old, distilled on March 17, 2009, and bottled on November 25, 2020, was matured in a first-fill sherry butt. The nose is outstanding: intense chocolate and red fruits, hazelnut, and a crunchy chocolate bar. Lemon peel; chocolate and mint. Wonderful. The palate is a chocolate explosion, with salt and sulfur. Strong and sweet. The aftertaste burns the soul. Far too powerful, with chocolate and super intense wasabi notes. It cleansed my sins. Overall, this was largely a very good dram, but when I seek a higher strength whisky, I typically desire great complexity and endless layers of flavors and aromas. While the notes here are truly pleasant, it's excessively simple, and it's so strong that I question if bottling it at 67.7% ABV was truly worthwhile, as a slightly lower ABV might have delivered a similar, perhaps more enjoyable, experience. Despite this, it's not a bad whisky at all, hence the 88 out of 100 rating.