ngolofane
Bunnahabhain 25 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
January 25, 2022 (edited January 7, 2024)
Is it possible to thoroughly enjoy something and yet be somewhat disappointed at the same time? This is how I find myself feeling when I drink this. That’s partially due to the price point, which is creeping up to the $6-700 range, and partially due to the excellence of any aged bunna I’ve had up to now. I simultaneously want more and yet can’t convince myself this is 2-3x more than the 18.
At any rate, taking price out of it, here’s my tasting notes:
Nose: berries, stone fruit, bubble gum? It’s not a sherry bomb and takes a little time to open up.
Palate: complex. It tastes like very old quality scotch finished in a sherry barrel. The fruits hit first, dark stone fruits, turning mildly bitter like espresso/high cacao content chocolate.
Finish: I’ll let you know when it finishes. Goes on for a fair bit. Somewhat dry like a good old red tannic wine, but there’s a sweetness that balances it out.
Other: There’s a creaminess to it - my friends dubbed it ‘cookies and cream’ and although I wouldn’t have come up with that myself it’s a good tasting note.
It’s more interesting and complex than the 18. If I were to choose one for a dram, I’d take the 25. But it doesn’t require a refill like the 18.
Ok i went this long without talking price but If you’re interested and lucky enough to find this in the $300s I’d buy a bottle. For $6-800 I’m not sure it’s worth it. I wouldn’t pay that much.
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
I did find this in the $300s about 2 years ago. Obviously I was lucky. That price point is history now
Your opening line is exactly how I felt when I tasted this Bunna 25Yr old. Love to hate or hate to love…one of those two. Definitely represents the epitome of Islay refinement. Would mos def NOT turn it down if offered (which is how I got to try it the first time at a friend’s) and would agree that if you can find it in the $300 range, it’s a no brainer. If only wishes were horses!