The Lighter Side of Islay

If you're sensing any sort of strategy with how I'm releasing these Old Particular malts thus far, you'd be correct if you guessed I'm coordinating by season. While the weather is still warm and the nights are still for rocks sippin', I want our customers to have access to summer's finest selections; before fall hits and I start breaking out the richer, peatier, and older whiskies. I've also found that affordable whiskies tend to be more popular during August. It's hot. Most people are really thinking about gin and tonics, rather than single malt, so how many folks are in the mood to blow two hundred bucks on a serious bottle of Scotch? 

With the exception of a delicious eight year old Talisker I'm saving for later, everything from this next round of Old Particular will be over twenty years old (with one that's over forty!), so if you're in need of a few value whiskies to hold you over I'd recommend grabbing the 12 year old Benrinnes we just released, as well as this little Bunnahabhain number. To the naked eye, it might be the palest ten year old malt I've ever seen, but what it lacks in color it makes up for in character and proof.

2007 Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky $49.99 - Those interested in truly learning what the term "refill hogshead" refers to will get exhibit A with this new 10 year old Bunnahabhain release. Clearly the vessel had been used a number of times before it was filled with cask strength whisky from Islay, offering little in terms of richness and weight. That's OK, however, because Islay whiskies carry so much character on their own that often little oak is needed to showcase what is already a quality malt from Bunnahabhain. At 55.2%, this is the quintessential rocks whisky, brimming with sweet grains, crisp fruit, and just a pinch of sea salt on the palate. While the initial sip offers simplicity, the finish is where the whisky dials up its most potent punch with a flurry of sweet spices and subtle smoke. This single cask edition of Bunnahabhain is a far cry from the supple and weighty whiskies released under the distillery brand. It's a fresh and unadulterated look at what Islay spirit tastes like in its purest and cleanest form; charming and engaging from front to back. 

-David Driscoll