This is a lavish, richly sherried, unpeated 21-year-old single malt from Bunnahabhain, bottled at cask strength (53.6% ABV). Aged mostly in Oloroso sherry casks before being finished for 21 months in Pedro Ximnez casks, it delivers a decadent blend of dried fruits (figs, raisins, plums), nuts, spices, sweet PX syrup, balanced by oak, salinity and Islays maritime influence. Ideal for special occasions or for those who love a bold, sherry-rich whisky that still has structure and depth.

Key Specs & Background

Feature Detail Age 21 years the new annual 21-year release in Bunnahabhains Cask Strength series. Finish / Casks Spent the majority of its life in ex-Oloroso sherry butts, with a final 21-month finish in ex-Pedro Ximnez casks. ABV / Proof 53.6% ABV, cask strength. Bottled Naturally coloured, non-chill filtered. Number of Bottles ~2,682 bottles globally. Region / Style Unpeated Islay single malt; known for balancing maritime, sherry, fruit, and nutty tones instead of peat smoke.

Tasting Profile

Sense Notes Appearance Deep copper-brown with rich golden / autumnal hues. Nose / Aroma Begins somewhat closed but opens with dunnage warehouse earth, raisins, sultanas, plums, marmalade / orange peel, toasted almonds, liquid licorice, honey, caramelised walnuts, warm oak spices (nutmeg, cinnamon). A gentle herbal / maritime brine note (salinity) underlying. Palate / Taste Spice up front (cinnamon, clove), moving into rich dried fruits (figs, raisins, candied cherries), grape syrup-like PX sweetness, along with oak bitterness, leather, roasted nuts. Some citrus/orange & dark berry tones emerge. The high ABV gives weight; water reveals more subtle fruit and softens heat. Finish Long, warm, slightly drying; lingering notes of toasted coffee, cocoa, spices, sweet sherry, dried fruit, with oak and wood spices persisting. Slight briny / saline edge toward the end in some reviews.

What Makes It Special

• Depth of age: 21 years is significant, and in this case most of that time in Oloroso helps build classic sherry richness. The PX finish adds dessert-like intensity.

• Balance of sweet & dry: The whisky doesnt lean fully toward sweetness. The sherry influence is strong, but oak, spice, and a slight maritime / salty character help to moderate it.

• Cask strength & natural presentation: Bottled at strength, no chill filtration, no added colour this emphasizes authenticity, letting fans taste more of what the wood and spirit have done together over two decades.

• Limited production: With only ~2,682 bottles, this is collectible and less common than many regular single malts.

• Exceptional for those who enjoy sherry-heavy whiskies rich texture, deep flavor, complexity.

• Holds up well with a splash of water; reveals layers rather than collapsing.

• Great as a specialoccasion dram or a showpiece whisky.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

• Serve neat first in a tulip or copita glass; allow it to open up for 15-30 minutes.

• Water or a larger ice cube can help soften the heat (53.6%) and bring out fruit, sweet sherry, and nutty layers.

• Pair with dark chocolate, citrus-glazed nuts, dried fruit desserts, strong cheeses (aged Gouda, blue).

• Also enjoyable with savory dishes that have spice, roasted meats, or autumn desserts (figs, plums).