Bunnahabhain 37 Years Old Celtic Heartlands 1966 40.1% 1966

Professional reviews

BOW (91)

Tasting Notes by Jim McEwan:

Colour: Rich and beautiful, mahogany, chestnut hues.

Nose: It´s initially all the sherry notes; raisins, dates, sultanas with a touch of Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez thrown in. Then slowly, sweet walnuts with a coating of treacle toffee emerge. After some 15 to 20 minutes aeration, the peaty malt begins to emerge, it has to battle to find its place, but its Islay heart drives it on and eventually it finds some recognition. An incredible experience.

Palate: Now the malt makes its move, leading boldly from the front with the rich, dark, bittersweet sherry flavours only one step behind. Eventually an armistice is agreed and the mellowness of the spirit calms the warriors, who learn to live in peace with the Spanish living slightly higher on the hill. For sherry matured single malt lovers this is your ARMAGEDDON.

Finish: Total decadence. Like all giants there remains a rich sweet gentleness that can only be found in such spirits. You will never see its like again.