Bunnahabhain 8 Year The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Age: 8 years Alcohol: 43% Paid: $42 I apologize, but Bunnahabhain, in my opinion, should always have a significant sherry influence and be briny – comparable to blending Glendronach with Old Pulteney. This G&M young, peated ex-sherry Bunna deviates entirely from the typical profile, and I must admit, it's disappointing even at its low price and straightforward independent bottling. Gordon & MacPhail is hardly a rare, independent bottler that requires our support or protection. They release more bottles than many Scottish distilleries, and I fully expect them to occasionally produce mediocre, generic products. This is a generic dram that was bottled too early and lacks a clear identity. It presents flat cereal and flat fruits, with peat that doesn't quite compensate or dominate the palate. Where is the brine? Where are the spices? I feel a bit more wood oils from a more active cask or extended maturation would unlock more flavors. This fails to showcase the advantages of a young whisky. It's drinkable, I suppose; just terribly uninspired. MARK: 75/100. Not recommended

Whisky spent 8 years in sherry butt casks and was bottled at 43% ABV. Nose. Smoky, fruity-salty, smoked meat, mango, apples, grapes, seaweed, bonfire ashes. Taste. Fruity-smoky, apricots, baked apples, walnuts, milk chocolate, a hint of anise, and a touch of cigar ash. Finish. Medium-long, peaty with a hint of sea salt.

The aroma I detect is a bit peaty, but I also get that mesquite BBQ type of tang. There's a little of that on the palate, but it's definitely more classic peat. Some light barley notes are present, but the smoke is dominant. It's good, but it lacks sufficient body for balance. Medium at most, I'd say.

Alright, this might be the first whiskey I've actually enjoyed! Wow, this is sweet and tastes like peanut brittle! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I love this stuff!

C&B 7/16. I did not enjoy it. C&B 9/16. Smells of smoked meat. Citrus on the front. Bitter chocolate in the back. Subtle peat. Much better after 30 minutes due to its gentle peat but not memorable.

Heavily peated. Heavily smoked. A short, sweet finish, with some mild sourness and strong spice on the tongue. It's quite warming, but not hot. Very smooth for an 8-year-old.