Bunnahabhain 12 yo (2008/2020), Signatory Vintage – Cask Strength Collection (1st Fill Sherry – #1174), 57.4%

Introduction

The Bunnahabhain 12-year-old from Signatory Vintage’s prestigious Cask Strength Collection represents a masterful example of Islay whisky matured in exceptional sherry wood. This 2008 vintage showcases the distinct character of Bunnahabhain distillery through the lens of a single, carefully selected cask.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Malted barley sourced for Bunnahabhain distillery on Islay, known for its unusually unpeated character compared to its island neighbors.
• Distillation process: Double distilled in Bunnahabhain’s traditional copper pot stills, preserving the fruity, malty character that defines the distillery style.
• Maturation: Aged for 12 years (2008-2020) in a first-fill sherry cask (#1174), allowing for intense flavor extraction and rich color development.
• Special techniques: Bottled by Signatory Vintage as part of their Cask Strength Collection, without chill-filtration or added coloring, preserving all natural oils and flavor compounds.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, Christmas cake, nutmeg, and cinnamon with hints of orange zest and sultanas.
• Palate: Intense sherry influence with notes of raisins, figs, and dates accompanied by dark chocolate, oak spice, and a touch of sea salt representative of its coastal origin.
• Finish: Long and warming with persistent spices, dried fruit sweetness, and subtle maritime salinity that gradually fades to pleasant oak dryness.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a small drop of spring water to open up the complex flavors; water helps tame the considerable strength while revealing additional aromatic layers.
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, rich dried fruit desserts, blue cheese, or simply savored on its own as a contemplative after-dinner dram.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 57.4% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl/700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Signatory Vintage’s highly regarded Cask Strength Collection, celebrated among whisky connoisseurs for exceptional cask selection.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Bunnahabhain 12-year-old single cask bottling represents a perfect marriage between the distillery’s elegant spirit and the rich influence of a first-fill sherry cask.

As a single cask release, this whisky is inherently limited, with each bottle representing approximately 1/500th of the entire production, making it increasingly difficult to obtain.

Signatory Vintage has earned its reputation as one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers through meticulous cask selection and commitment to presenting whisky in its purest form.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and critics consistently praise Signatory’s Cask Strength Collection for its exceptional quality and transparency, allowing connoisseurs to experience distillery character in its most authentic expression.

Collectors who have previously invested in Signatory’s Bunnahabhain releases often seek out each new bottling, recognizing the consistent excellence and distinctive character.

The combination of Bunnahabhain’s refined spirit and first-fill sherry casks has garnered particular acclaim in specialist whisky circles, with similar releases consistently scoring highly in expert reviews.

From Islay to You

In each bottle, Signatory Vintage offers the gift of experiencing a direct connection to a single exceptional cask that has matured in the maritime climate of Islay for twelve years.

The approachable yet complex character of this Bunnahabhain appeals to both sherry cask enthusiasts and those who appreciate the more nuanced, less peated style of Islay whisky.

By choosing this bottle, you join a community of discerning whisky lovers who value authentic, undiluted expressions that truly capture a moment in time from one of Scotland’s most beloved distilleries.