Bunnahabhain 1988 (Scott's Selection)

Bunnahabhain 16 1988-2004 Scott's Selection / 53.8% ABV Nose - Bright honeyed apples, light salt, grilled pineapple, peach (w/ water) Adds a hint of cracked black pepper to the nose Taste - Rich, oily, hint of brine, ripe peaches & nectarines, dried apricots, candied ginger, candied nuts (w/ water) not as rich, lightly more drying, but otherwise same flavors Finish - Sweet tinned peaches, light metallic notes, hint of salt, light nut skin bitterness (w/ water) Metallic vibe greatly reduced, less bitter Score - 92/100 Final Thoughts - I really enjoyed this one, but maybe I'm a bit biased with it being Bunnahabhain. If I were to give this a SMWS name, it'd be "tinned dried peaches in syrup" because I think this summarizes it quite well. It's got a nice ripe stone fruit vibe I really like and it has this really nice mix of fresh and dried sweetness to it. A tiny bit of water hurts the nose a bit, but I think it really helps get rid of that metallic note I get, which I find a bit distracting, but nostalgic at the same time. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Distilled 1988. Bottled 2004. Cask strength. No cask type information. 53.8%. Sometimes, Scotch from yesteryear is not clearly better than the industrialized, engineered, formulaic Scotch from today. There are distilleries that are releasing their best stuff today; right now; in the modern times. Bunnahabhain is one of those distilleries. That does not mean this 1988 vintage bottled by “Scott’s Selection” is bad. I’ve had other Scott’s Selection before, and they release honest whisky that tends to not sell, gather dust on shelves, and not appreciate on the secondary market. They knew how to mature whisky, as their bottlings have identity and direction, but I have a feeling they were working with cheap, flawed casks. This bottler has been extinct for a few years, and no bottle flipper has so much as flinched. This Bunna approaches you with the lovely aromas of lemon confit; brined zesty fruits and flowers. It’s got a rose that grew from concrete swagger. There’s very faint peat. Vanilla ice cream. A little soapiness. The sweet citrus evolves to something very mineral and salty in the mouth. There’s a peppery finish with oakiness that is a little too harsh, and lasts a little too long. Some water is recommended, as it brings out some chocolate and tobacco notes. This is a bottle I don’t regret buying; it’s enjoyable, but not memorable. Comparing this to a modern Bunna 12, which is so much sweeter and genetically modified to taste better than Coke... I can’t say for sure the oldie is better. Score: 0 (forgettable) How much does a bottle cost: Probably secondary market only. Should be around $150. How much do I think a bottle is worth: $85