Description

Bunnahabhain 2016 Aged 8 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – The 100 Proof Collection #31 By Signatory Vintage (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.1%           Age: 8 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): Edition #31
Date of Distilling: 2016
Date of Bottling: 27/11/2024
Matured In: 1st & 2nd Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Signatory Vintage are an independent bottler founded in 1988 by Andrew and Brian Symington. The name ‘Signatory’ was derived from the initial intention to find a person of suitable standing to sign the labels for bottles drawn from a single cask. The first cask bottled was a 1968 Glenlivet which quickly sold through long before any suitable signee could be found. Signatory currently bottle at three strengths: 43%, 46% Unchillfiltered (UCF) and Cask Strength. To add proof of authenticity to their cask strength bottlings, Signatory always include the cask numbers, date of distillation, date of bottling and number of bottles produced.Signatory Vintage’s aim is to offer as wide a range of whiskies as possible, some of which are not even bottled by the proprietary distillery. This allows malt enthusiast to sample the huge variety of subtle differences which occur between casks.

The Bunnahabhain Distillery is the most northerly and remote on the island of Islay and was opened in 1883 to make use of excess grain from local farmers. The name Bunnahabhain translates as ‘mouth of the river’ and if you ever visit will see that the distillery is built near the mouth of the River Margadale which flows into the Sound of Islay. Pronounced Bú-na-ha-venn, this Islay Single Malt Scotch whisky is quite distinct from the many others on the island, given the wonderfully gentle taste profile for which it is known.

This single malt whisky was distilled in 2016 at the Bunnahabhain distillery on the Scottish island of Islay. It was matured in 1st & 2nd Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts and in 2024 was bottled at 57.1% alc/vol as part of the Signatory Vintage 100 Proof range. This whisky has no added colouring and is non-chillfiltered.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Bright and lively, the aroma opens with a blend of dried apricots, golden raisins, and baked apple pastries. Underneath the fruit lies a subtle layer of salted caramel and honey-roasted nuts. The coastal heritage of Bunnahabhain peeks through as a gentle brine and faint mineral edge.

Palate: At 100 proof, the flavours arrive with purpose. Ripe orchard fruits, fig preserves, and rich toffee sauce lead, quickly followed by creamy milk chocolate and a sprinkle of warm baking spices—cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. The Oloroso casks impart a round, syrupy sweetness balanced by a mild nuttiness, while the spirit’s youth lends a fresh and energetic character. There are also notes of sherry, raisins, nuts, a touch of salt, malt, and sweet fruits.

Finish: Long, warming, and satisfying. As the sweetness fades, subtle cocoa nibs, toasted hazelnuts, and a touch of salted caramel linger. A gentle dryness reminiscent of fine sherry emerges toward the end, ensuring the final impression is both comforting and complex, inviting another sip. The finish also has medium-long fruity notes, with the nuts and malt fading into the background.