Bunnahabhain Moine Triple Cask Finish 17 Yr Feis Ile 2023

Nose: When undiluted, it offers a rich nose of sherry and aged oak, with hints of leather armchair, orange marmalade, and a touch of brine. Adding water brings out lighter citrus notes (lemon, orange) but nearly erases the leathery malt and maritime characteristics. This whisky's aroma is best appreciated neat. A faint smell of smoke or ash is detected in the dry glass. Palate: Undiluted, it has a strong malt, white pepper, and oak presence upon initial taste. The development reveals more intricate spice notes (clove, cinnamon, allspice, and tamarind). Dilution sweetens the profile and intensifies all the spice notes simultaneously. Whether this enhancement is positive depends on individual preference. Finish: Medium/Long. Spicy, warming malt and citrus. Lingering tannins are present. While this whisky has an exceptional nose, I found the palate excessively spicy. It's heavily influenced by the cask, with abundant malt and cereal notes, but lacks fruity or floral qualities, resulting in a perceived imbalance in my opinion. I struggled to find an optimal dilution point, as the nose became too muted by the time the palate elements harmonized. It's a very good dram, but not suitable for novices and likely only recommended for Bunnahabhain enthusiasts. It also greatly improves with time in the glass, so patience is advised. Tasted from a sample bought at Bunnahabhain Distillery, April 16th 2025 “Very Good”: 85/100 (4 stars)

Very round, pleasantly smoky, very tasty overall.