Bunnahabhain Cruach Mhòna

I tasted the Limited Edition Release, but it was not possible to choose. Hay, pepper and a wild smokyness. Truly delicious

Once upon an early evening dreary, while I pondered weak and weary over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten scotch... from the days of the SDT group. This chilly Halloween evening calls for something warm and smoky. A soft, earthy, lightly phenolic nose which a good deal of sweetness. Rubber tire, damp soil, vanilla custard, lemon zest, brown sugar, raspberry jam. It really needs time to settle in. Over time, some slight spice comes through of cracked black pepper, ginger powder and cinnamon. The first draw on the palate is prickly in a medium body. As the palate gets accustomed and acclimated, the flavors become detectable. Creme brûlée, sherry, almonds, vanilla which quickly turns to wood spice and ginger. Water mutes the rubber notes on the nose and dulls the sharp edges on the palate. The finish is long, ashy and sooty with tingling pins and needles, which quickly dissipates. As it slowly fades, black licorice, wood char and drying tannins ride the long finish. This one was a bit disjointed and tough to identify aromas and flavors. It is somewhat funky and odd. However the sweet phenolic attributes are satisfying. Water takes away from funky oddness and removes it’s identity. Perhaps more time aging and maturing would bring this scotch the cohesiveness it lacks. Thanks @Telex for the sample, long overdue. [84/100][Tasted: 10/31/20]

Tasted neat. Nose: 4,25* like walking into a sawmill, sawdust, not far underneath some brine, some honey dweetness but mostly ashy, herbal, citric notes. Palate: 4* pungent charcoal smoke, pepper and unripe walnuts, burnt salted chips. Comes in hot at first but calms down quickly. Good and crisp body. Finish: 4* Nice oaky and ash like, drying and bitter. Smoke lingers for a good while. If Lagavulin 16 is your go-to whisky but you want something bitter instead of sweet for after a summer barbeque or bonfire, pick up this hidden gem! Great price-quality ratio too.

God!