This time it’s not Archives’ tropical fish, generally from around Samoa, but a more ‘local’ series of animals. Animals found in the United Kingdom, if I’m not mistaken, from Dutch independent bottler The Duchess. The label is, not entirely surprising, by Hans Dillesse.

The Duchess have been bottling high quality whisky for a couple of years, as well as really solid rums. Generally, I do a bottle-share whenever a new whisky is being released (if within my means), but this one I missed somehow. With it scoring well over 89 points on average, I decided it was rather high time to correct that omission, and bottle-shared it quite recently.

Bunnahabhain is an Islay distillery originally known for their unpeated whiskies, but with the smoky stuff being in high demand, they made a switch to a more ‘Bruichladdich style’ quite a while ago. So, under their ‘Mòine’ range they release a peated spirit, and under the Staoisha range there’s a heavily peated whisky available.

So, a gently peated Bunnahabhain, finished in a sherry cask. Older Bunnahabhains tend to score well, really well. This one being a bit younger and from a sherry cask instead of the far more regular bourbon casks is a different approach, but the already high rating made me very curious!

Sniff:
The nose starts with a gorgeous combination of sherry, peat and quite a lot of oak. There is a bunch of dried fruits and almonds. Apricots and plums, with quite a lot of bitter notes.

Sip:
The palate continues with the bitterness. Lots of nuts and dried fruit. Almonds, apricots, plums (with stones). There’s a lot of oak and a bit of a coarse texture. It is a cask strength whisky but apart from the alcohol heat there’s also some chili peppers, and a very gentle smokiness.

Swallow:
The finish starts with a bit of an afterburner in regards to peppery bite, but also shows the sweeter side of sherry. Lots of oak, lots of dried fruits, a bit of smoke.

There is so much happening here! Great stuff. The smoke is quite restrained, but noticeable. It gives the whisky an extra dimension and therefore more complexity. Thoroughly enjoyable, and highly recommended!

90/100

Available at Best of Wines/Best of Whiskies for € 168