Description

Bunnahabhain 2009 Aged 15 Years Connoisseurs Choice Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Gordon & MacPhail (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 55.8%           Age: 15 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 339
Distilled: 2009
Bottled: 2024
Matured In:First Fill Sherry Hogshead (given the common profiles of G&M Bunnahabhains and the expected rich notes). A first-fill sherry hogshead means the cask previously held sherry and this is its first time holding Scotch whisky, imparting richer dried fruit, spice, and nutty influences.

For more than a century, Gordon & MacPhail has been entrusted with new-make spirit from more than 100 Scottish distilleries to mature in their way, using casks made to their exacting specifications. The ‘Distillery Labels’ range is a celebration of these long standing and unique relationships. The history of this range heralds back to their very beginnings – to the days when distillery spirit was produced primarily to be used in blends. Because of the strong working relationships Gordon & MacPhail had with distillery owners, they would bottle and sell the spirit they created as single malt on the condition that they used their ‘house’ label with the caption “bottled by Gordon & MacPhail”.

The “Connoisseurs Choice” range was created by George Urquhart, a visionary figure in the company, back in 1968. This series was revolutionary because it gave a platform to single malts. At a time when blends dominated the market, Connoisseurs Choice championed the unique character of individual single malts, some of which had never been bottled as such before. It offered whisky enthusiasts the chance to discover whiskies from nearly 100 different Scottish distilleries, showcasing the vast spectrum of flavours. These bottlings often represent unique perspectives on a distillery’s spirit, bottled at various strengths (including cask strength) and always non-chill-filtered.

Bunnahabhain (pronounced “Boon-a-havn” – Gaelic for “mouth of the river”) is uniquely situated on the remote northeastern coast of the Isle of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay and the Isle of Jura. It’s often the first distillery you see when approaching Islay by ferry. Founded in 1881, Bunnahabhain initially received its supplies and transported its whisky by sea, as there were no roads to the distillery until 1960. It has undergone various changes and closures but has always maintained a strong sense of tradition. It is currently owned by Distell International (now part of the Heineken Group). What truly sets Bunnahabhain apart from its Islay neighbours is its traditional focus on unpeated (or very lightly peated) malt. While other Islay distilleries are synonymous with intense smoke, Bunnahabhain traditionally produces a much lighter, often fruity, nutty, and maritime spirit. Recently, they have started producing some heavily peated expressions, but their core style remains unpeated. This makes it an “Islay paradox” – offering a taste of the island without the typical smoke.

This independent bottling from G&M offers a superb opportunity to experience Bunnahabhain’s character with specific cask influence, aged for a significant period. Non-chill filtered and natural colour, ensuring the full spectrum of aromas and flavours are preserved.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and inviting, bursting with dark dried fruits like plump raisins and figs, intertwined with sticky toffee and rich milk chocolate. Hints of toasted almonds and a delicate sea air freshness underscore the sweetness.

Palate: Luxuriously creamy and full-bodied on the entry. A wave of spiced apple pie and candied orange peel washes over the palate, quickly followed by a deep, warming sweetness. The sherry influence truly shines, bringing notes of dark cherries and rich plums, balanced by a growing presence of cinnamon and nutmeg spice. A subtle, almost savoury nutty character emerges, alongside a faint brininess. Exceptionally thick and coating, almost chewy, a testament to its cask strength and non-chill filtration. It delivers a powerful yet incredibly smooth sensation.

Finish: Long, warming, and remarkably complex. The dried fruit and spice notes linger, evolving into a delicious combination of dark chocolate and a dry, satisfying oak presence, with a subtle coastal whisper at the very end.

Overall Impression: A magnificent example of Bunnahabhain’s unpeated character, beautifully enhanced by rich sherry maturation. This 15-year-old bottling offers profound depth, a luscious texture, and a wonderfully balanced interplay between sweet fruit, spice, and a distinctive maritime touch, making it a highly rewarding and sophisticated dram.