Bunnahabhain 2014 Single Cask Lord Xue Ying Exclusive Bottling
70cl / 54%
£209.00
- Cask type: Sherry
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Rich, strong vanilla and smoke notes
Fruity, with hints of smoke, honey and brown sugar notes
Long, warm finish
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A heavily peated, cask strength 2014 Bunnahabhain matured in Sherry, bottled exclusively for the Taiwan market.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Bunnahabhain / Distillery (via Importer) / Scotland, Islay |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Heavily Peated Style) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | NAS / 2014 / Not Stated (Implied c. 2019/2020) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 54.0% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Single Sherry Cask #3822413 |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Implied Natural Colour) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Implied NCF due to Cask Strength) |
| Cask Strength | Yes (54.0% ABV) |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Estimated 250-350 bottles) |
| Intended channel | Exclusive Taiwan Market Import |
| Packaging | Bespoke Lord Xue Ying artwork on label, standard premium tube |
| Notes on discrepancies | Auction price history is volatile, reflecting market disconnect between domestic UK sales and specialist Asian collector demand. |
Historical Context
Bunnahabhain is primarily known globally for its unpeated core range. However, this bottling utilizes the distillery’s less common, high-intensity peated stock, frequently labelled Staoisha. The "heavily peated import" designation immediately positions this whisky outside the typical Bunnahabhain offering.
Crucially, this is an exclusive commission for the Taiwanese market. Taiwan represents one of the most sophisticated and high-value secondary markets globally, especially for single cask Scotch exclusives. The link to the popular Manhua character, Lord Xue Ying, further elevates the bottle's desirability within that key collector demographic.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The spirit was distilled in 2014 and bottled at a robust 54.0% ABV, confirming its status as a Cask Strength release. The young vintage combined with the heavily peated style necessitates precise cask management. The selection of a single Sherry cask (#3822413) is a deliberate technical choice: the active sherry wood acts to quickly balance and integrate the youthful intensity of the peated spirit, contributing necessary vanilla and sweetness to the profile.
While the exact outturn is not stated by the producer, the standard yield from a single sherry cask, particularly when bottled at high cask strength, typically falls within the range of 250–350 bottles. This minimal outturn confirms the bottle's inherent scarcity.
Documented variants
As a unique, single cask bottling defined by its cask number and specific vintage, no variants of this product exist.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 54.0% | 70cl | Taiwan Exclusive | Single Cask, Heavily Peated, Pop Culture Tie-in | High (Niche Collector Appeal) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication of this exclusive bottling relies on three critical identifying features: the cask number 3822413, the 2014 vintage designation, and the unique, bespoke Lord Xue Ying artwork on the label. Given the high ABV and relatively short maturation period (c. 5–6 years), the liquid fill level should be flawless, typically resting 'Into Neck.' The bottle must also include the original premium presentation tube designed for this exclusive release.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 54.0% ABV confirms the whisky is presented at Cask Strength, offering maximum flavour intensity without dilution.2 The classification as 'heavily peated' clearly defines its flavour category, indicating a high level of phenols (PPM), distinct from Bunnahabhain's standard offerings.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The tasting profile highlights the successful harmonization of sherry influence with the intense peat smoke.
Nose: Described as rich and pleasant, featuring strong, clear notes of vanilla sweetness derived from the sherry cask, balanced effectively against the pervasive smoke.
Palate: Not explicitly detailed by the producer.
Finish: Not explicitly detailed by the producer.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Bunnahabhain, under the ownership of Distell since 2014, is a key player on Islay known for its stylistic versatility. While the unpeated house style dominates the core portfolio, the ability to release high-quality, heavily peated single cask bottlings (using Staoisha stock) is crucial for meeting specialist global market demands and demonstrating the distillery's robust production capabilities.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Focus on pristine condition, 70cl bottles, ensuring the presence of the Lord Xue Ying iconography and the specific cask number 3822413.
Red flags to avoid: Any attempts to purchase based on the anomalous 2020 auction low price (GBP 70.00); bottles with damaged labels or any low fill levels.
Condition thresholds: Pristine external condition is essential for high resale value in the premium Asian collector market.
Margin/velocity expectations: Significant margin potential (50%+ gross) exists if inventory can be sourced opportunistically at rates well below RRP in European auctions for re-export to specialist collector markets. Velocity is constrained by scarcity.
