Bunnahabhain – 2008 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Butt North Star Obscurities & Curiosities (70cl)

This is an 18-year-old Bunnahabhain distilled in 2008 and matured in an Oloroso sherry butt, bottled by North Star in its Obscurities & Curiosities range. Bunnahabhain is an unpeated Islay distillery, and this bottling shows its robust, earthy side. The sherry character leans towards dirty sherry, savoury with a slightly musty edge, alongside polished oak and a touch of coastal salinity. It is described as rich and unctuous, with dense dried fruits, stewed plums, dark chocolate, treacle, toasted walnuts, old leather and baking spices. The palate is weighty and oily, and the finish is long, with dark fruit, spice and drying oak.