Alchemist Bunnahabhain 9 year old 46%
Sherry/ Tasted: May 2012
A high toned, herbal nose showing some youthful cereal (as expected) along with hints of peat, malt and balsamic notes. There is a modicum of re-fill sherry notes and with time a pleasant note of white flowers.
The palate is crisp and intense but not spirity. It fills out rather well with some sweet cereally barley. The middle is quite herbal and the alcohol masks the finish somewhat. Like the nose there is not a lot of input from the cask.
With water the nose becomes rather softer, fuller and floral with some light honey, toffee and earth now showing. The palate becomes creamier with more oak vanillins. The barley has a slight custard like sheen and the light honey makes it a touch sweeter. Now showing some light coastal notes.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 