1991 Douglas Laing & Co. Old Particular Single Cask Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

Keen-eyed observers will note that this special release from a refill sherry hogshead was exclusive to the American retailer, K&L Wines. Just 208 bottles made up the 2017 outturn which has long since sold out. At 49.5% Alc./Vol., it's at natural cask strength and comes non chill filtered. The dark, rich colour of the malt lets you know at first glance that this is going to be one supple dram. While sherried Bowmore tends toward savoury campfire notes and sherried Kilchoman towards sweet peat, sherried Bunnahabhain is like pure salted caramel. Enthusiastic notes below from K&L's spirits buyer, David Othenin-Girard:

"Wow I mean just what the hell? We've had a string of wonderful Bunnahs over the last year, the result I believe of the distillery's change in ownership. When the new owners took a look at all the old whisky in the warehouse that they didn't own, I bet they sent a few thousand letters on fancy legal paper. Rent is going up! Anyway, we're the great beneficiaries of that business acumen. Other independents have taken the good name and the old age and jacked the prices up, but we've got some good old friends in bonny Scotland who treat us well. The dark color forces a double take when it hits the glass. Refill? Dang! It must have been a fresh dump if you catch my drift, but it's balanced and absolutely filled to the brim with life. The nose is nuts and orange liqueur by the sea. Dark fruit salted. Tobacco leaf and cedar pointed by subtle salted and stewed red fruit quality. Touches of dried kelp, freshly polished leather and no obvious peat. The sweetness of the nose is balanced by the rich savory entry on the palate. It's a big one! Nice and dry with a big oak spice pulling through in the back. Truly a special cask, one of the best values we'll ever offer."