Bunnahabhain 30 year TWB Artemis

A recent addition to The Whisky Barrel's celestial-themed bottlings, this Bunnahabhain 30 year old was produced in 1990 and matured for three decades in a hogshead. It was bottled at 54.8% ABV and named Artemis, honoring the upcoming maiden voyage of the Artemis Moon initiative. The aroma presents initial notes of moderate farmyard character, subtle smokiness, and smooth yet slightly tart fruit. The farmyard essence persists in the background, accompanying flavors of briny mango, papaya, glazed peaches, lemon essence, and tart cherries. This evolves into roasted macadamia nuts and dark chocolate with a gooey center, before shifting to gooseberries, a hint of ginger spice, leather, and mild ashy wood, accompanied by a strong alcohol prickle. The palate offers a thick texture, beginning with a touch of sulfur that rapidly recedes, revealing a blend of noticeable farmyard notes and creamy, somewhat spoiled fruit. A foundation of hay emerges, alongside tastes of salted mango, papaya, cooked peaches, lemon zest, and tart cherries. This is followed by toasted macadamia nuts and dark chocolate, ultimately transitioning to grapefruit rind, distinct ginger and black pepper spiciness, leather, and moderate ashy wood, all underscored by a potent alcohol presence. The finish is enduring, featuring faint sulfur, sea salt notes, peaches, tangy lemon confection, dried mangoes, plantain crisps, macadamia nuts, dark chocolate, a noticeable ginger and pepper kick, leather, and medium ashy wood that persists for an extended period. This dram is akin to a rocket lacking propulsion. At its full strength, it leans towards the tart, zesty, funky, and ashy. However, when diluted to below 50% ABV, this spirit truly takes flight. It retains the characteristics of the undiluted version but mellows the sharp, sour fruit notes, allowing more tropical fruit to surface. The ashy wood transforms into rich, polished timber, creating a medium, smooth mouthfeel that is almost flawlessly harmonious. In its unwatered state, I'd score it 3.5. But once fueled for liftoff, it approaches perfection. The primary drawback is those slightly sharp fruit flavors, which prevent it from achieving a perfect score.

Bunnahabhain juice. Not sure I need to say much more. It would be difficult to not to enjoy. Expectations are high. However, I am not sure what to expect from this particular version of a Bunn N: A slowly forming aroma of orange peel and cinnamon crescendos from low and easy to a nice refreshing citrusy marmalade nose. Images of Beach and sun bounce in my mind from these aromas. Tropical it becomes. Pineapples, coconut shavings and light caramel, peaches and mangoes. P: The first sip arrives sweetly. The orangey nose is embodied on the palate. Candied oranges or Sunny-D orange drink, sweet tea and vanilla. Just as that sweetness makes you happy and comfortable, a kick of black pepper and ginger comes in stirs the palate around a bit, in a good way which segues to a more earthy quality. Leather, tobacco, walnuts with a bit of mineral. Just as it all gets familiar and comfortable, that punch of pepper comes back and winds out to a fade towards the finish. F: Peppery finish that tingles but fades to a long woody, orange and honey and charcoal. O: What is described may seem simplistic but what is experienced is rich. What could be a summer sipper, is enjoyable with no bitterness or harshness. Easy to sip. Easy to enjoy. I only wish I had more than just a sample and could continue to enjoy. Thank you a friend for another quality sample. above and beyond. [94/100][Tasted: 7/21/23]

I was 12 when this was barreled, and I imagine I wouldn't have understood scotch then. Now in my 40s, I've sampled a few scotches, but nothing near this age. I don't recall having had anything in my 20s, let alone 30s. It's an impressive and somewhat imposing age statement. I hope this isn't lost on me. Following a friend's example, I'm adding some water, and it certainly enhances the aroma. I detect some tropical notes, pineapple, perhaps banana, tart apple, honey, and a touch of the barnyard, though it seems more like hay than particularly funky to me. The taste is truly pleasant, coating the mouth, with honey, fruit, and a bit more funk than I perceived on the nose. I don't notice a strong wood influence, but maybe a little oak is lurking in the background. A nice warming finish completes this. What an amazing treat to try this, a 30 year old Bunna bottled at cask strength. Wow! Thank you for the sample. 5 stars!

Remarkable. This is truly excellent. This was our second pour, a gift from a friend, for our regular online tasting (following an aged Balvenie 10 and preceding a bold JD single barrel barrel strength rye). I really regret not purchasing this when I had the chance. Especially considering the cost. And while I don't usually care about labels, this one features Artemis, which is the name of NASA's upcoming lunar mission (a follow-up to Apollo, the initial moon flight). As a massive space enthusiast, this design truly resonated with me. If Brora had a less experienced sibling, this would be it. It has earthy, mildly smoky notes with a citrus burst. All unified by a smooth, elegant shortbread undertone. If you come across this bottle, get it immediately. My thanks again to a friend for the pour!

Aroma of grape must, fresh orange, grilling coals, spiced vinegar BBQ sauce, black chai tea with cream. On the palate, tangerine creamsicle, spiced ketchup, vinegar marinade, allspice, and clove with a medium-length finish featuring a sharp alcohol burn.