Description

Bunnahabhain 2001 Aged 23 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Symington’s Choice Cask Strength Collection Signatory Vintage #1436 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 59.5%           Age: 23 Years            Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): #1436
Date of Distilling:
Date of Bottling:
Matured In: 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt
Un-Chillfiltered

The Whisky

This Bunnahabhain 2001 Aged 23 Years is a highlight from Signatory Vintage’s prestigious “Symington’s Choice” collection, personally selected by the founder Andrew Symington. Distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2025, this single malt spent over two decades maturing in a single first-fill Oloroso sherry butt (cask #1436). Bottled at a robust natural cask strength of 59.5% alc/vol, and proudly un-chillfiltered and natural in colour, it offers an incredibly rich and authentic expression of Bunnahabhain. Expect a luxurious balance of Islay’s coastal character with intense sherry influence, a truly exquisite and rare dram.

“Symington’s Choice” is a prestigious line of whiskies from Signatory Vintage. These exceptional single cask whiskies are personally selected by Andrew Symington, the company’s founder, highlighting his keen eye for outstanding quality. Bottled at natural cask strength, un-chillfiltered, and with no added colour, they offer an unadulterated expression of the distillery’s character. Often sourced from highly desirable or rare casks, including those from silent distilleries, Symington’s Choice releases are limited, highly sought after, and represent the very best from Signatory Vintage’s extensive cellar.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and inviting, bursting with classic Oloroso sherry notes – dark dried fruits like raisins, figs, and dates, intertwined with sticky toffee pudding and rich fruitcake. Beneath this, there’s a lovely warmth of polished oak, subtle leather, and a hint of dark chocolate, complemented by a whisper of sea salt and nutty undertones.

Palate: A powerful yet incredibly well integrated and smooth delivery at cask strength. Layers of sweet dried fruits continue, now joined by spiced orange peel, rich toffee, and roasted almonds. There’s a delightful interplay of espresso, a gentle maritime salinity that speaks to its Islay origin, and a touch of ginger and cinnamon spice. It’s full bodied and beautifully coating.

Finish: Long, satisfying, and complex. The sherry sweetness gradually gives way to a drier, oak driven warmth with lingering notes of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and a delicate, almost smoky nuance that fades gracefully. The coastal influence resurfaces as a subtle, clean brine.

The Independent Bottler

Signatory Vintage is one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to quality and transparency. Established in 1988 by brothers Andrew and Brian Symington, Signatory Vintage quickly carved a niche by offering single cask, un-chillfiltered, and natural colour whiskies – practices that were far less common at the time but are now widely revered by connoisseurs. Their name, “Signatory,” stems from their original intention to have famous personalities sign the labels of their special bottlings, a unique concept that unfortunately proved impractical but left a lasting legacy in their brand name. Over the decades, Signatory Vintage has amassed an astonishing collection of casks from distilleries across Scotland, including many silent stills. This extensive inventory allows them to release an incredibly diverse range of whiskies, from youthful and vibrant expressions to incredibly rare and aged treasures. Each bottle is a testament to the individual character of the distillery and the unique journey of the liquid within its cask.

Signatory Vintage represents an unparalleled opportunity to explore the true essence of Scotch whisky. Their commitment to bottling at natural cask strength, un-chillfiltered, and without added colouring ensures that every drop delivers the purest and most authentic distillery character. When you choose a Signatory Vintage bottling, you’re not just buying a whisky; you’re acquiring a piece of liquid history, a unique expression that tells its own story from cask to glass. Discover the depth and diversity of Scotland’s finest spirits with Signatory Vintage.

The Distillery

Nestled on Islay’s rugged northeastern coast, Bunnahabhain (pronounced ‘Boon-a-hav-ain’) has been crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky since 1881. Unlike its heavily peated Islay neighbours, Bunnahabhain is renowned for its generally unpeated or very lightly peated expressions, allowing its inherent fruity, nutty, and maritime character to shine. The distillery’s name, meaning “mouth of the river” in Gaelic, refers to the Margadale River, whose pure, unpeated spring water is integral to their spirit.

Bunnahabhain’s unique stills and traditional maturation in sherry casks impart a distinctive rich, sweet, and complex profile, often with a subtle hint of sea salt from its coastal aging. For The Whisky Company, Bunnahabhain offers a refreshing and nuanced taste of Islay, perfect for those seeking depth and elegance over intense smoke. Explore Bunnahabhain and discover a different, yet equally captivating, side of Islay whisky.