Bunnahabhain 31 Years (1987/2019) - Wemyss Malts

Nose

The name delivers on its promise: raisins, raisins and more raisins. Dark, ripe specimens, accompanied by heavy dark caramel and walnuts. Chocolate and dark honey lay a velvety layer on top, while sweet tobacco lurks gently in the background. Dried fruits, balanced spices and a hint of marzipan. Cognac-style rancio notes and a dusty old wine cellar betray the venerable age, along with well-worn leather and freshly split vanilla pods. Orange and ginger marmalade and warm chestnuts round out the picture. A minimal whiff of sulphur is present but nothing dramatic.

Palate

Soft and pleasant on the lips. The natural drinking strength of 44.7% is simply perfect. The mouthfeel is creamy, waxy yet full and firm. The dark raisins return, now almost black, joined by espresso and old-school sherry at its finest. Dried dates and figs, leather and a creamy sweetness from the cask. Chocolate orange biscuits, almond mousse, cardamom and cloves add spicy accents. A touch of oak balances the sweetness. Subtractive maturation has smoothed the edges, additive maturation has contributed the sherry sweetness. Perfectly balanced. Pulled from the cask at exactly the right moment.

Finish

Long, warm and wonderfully harmonious. The flavours already tasted take turns as they slowly fade. Fermented grapes lead, followed by forest berry jam, walnuts and robust oak spice. Black raisins and chocolate return, sweet tobacco and dried fruits hold on tenaciously. Nothing bitter, nothing jarring, simply round. Thanks to the residual sweetness, it remains only slightly dry right through to the end.