BUNNAHABHAIN DISTILLERY Palo Cortado Finish 20yo 54.9% abv 70cl

Bunnahabhain 1997 Limited Release Palo Cortado Finish, 2000 Bottles (54.9% abv)

The Palo Cortado finish was matured for 19 years in “traditional oak” casks (which I’ll assume is good old ex bourbon casks), and then finished for almost two years in Palo Cortado sherry casks.

Appearance: Amber, with very thin legs and a lot of residue.

Nose: A little bit like old damp oak, pomegranate, a hint of some oily workspace, maybe a garage. Atypical farmy notes, with some minerals. After a bit, a working bakery wafts in with some bay rum cologne and a hint of sage. Is that a bit of banana bread? This is a Bunna that harks back to another era.

Palate: Ash and sweetness mix in a thick liquid. With no preparation by the nose, you’re hit with a peaty dryness that’s absolutely lovely. There’s a bit of saltiness on the palate.

Linger: The ash remains with a spicy and chalky feel. It’s dry with a sweet honey overlay, with starfruit that’s not quite fully ripened.

Description courtesy of ‘Malt and Oak Whisky Blog’