Whisky : Bunnahabhain 8 Year SMWS 10.173 “Selkie caviar”

Country/Region : Scotland/Islay

ABV : 60.4%

Cask : Refill Hogshead, Heavy toast/Medium char

Age : 8 Years (Distilled 27 September 2010)

Nose : Sweet honey and herbal notes give the impression of Ricola.  Antiseptic iodine and a bit of sharpe cheddar cheese rind give some salty undertones.  The nose turns gradually more fruity as it opens it; tangerine to orange citrus notes, white wine, and caramel apple.

Palate : Medium bodied and a bit hot the palate of tons of charred herb notes and a bit of bandaid.  The sweeter side gradually shines through— lemon candy or citrus and cream, its an orange or tangerine creamsicle/dreamsicle.  Toward the end some of those creamy notes turned buttery, like butter melting on a pancake.

Finish : Medium length with plenty of heat, warm spice, and a bit of citrusy vanilla cream.

Score : 5

Mental Image : A melting Tropical Dreampopsicle

Something Similar : Cooley 14 Year; The Exclusive Malts (similar tangerine/tropical fruit & cream, more pepper & spice)

Something Worse : Suntory Ao (similar creamy fruit, sweeter/more sugary, less body/finish)

Something Worse : Chivas Regal 18 Year (similar buttery notes, more savory, less body)

Notes : Two radically different profiles clash a bit in this bottle— sweet creamy tropical fruits and bitter medicinal herbs.  Occasionally these two faces combined to give the impression of Ricola or another honey herbal cough drop.  The cask seems to be pulling the dram in both directions at once— emphasizing bitter burnt herbs as well as creamy vanilla.  This is neither the most two faced dram I have come across nor the greatest clash of flavor profiles as ultimately the creamy fruity notes of a summertime popsicle win out.

Aside from discordant nature of the flavor profile, the dram is missing just a bit more presence on the mouthfeel and starts off with too much heat.  This is not a dram whose age would surprise you— it is hot and young even with a bit of water and time to breath— and that is exactly the impression it leaves.  The finish is also a bit weak, it is not terribly complex and does not substantially linger.

Despite those flaws, this is still an fine dram.  The shift between herbal to fruity notes is an enjoyable experience and I am a huge fan of tropical fruit notes— especially in the form of a creamy dreamsicle or buttery pancake.  Since there is still a lot of love, I would happily accept a dram of this.  It is a fun dram for a tasting experience, but it is not a dram whose bottle I need in my cabinet— I simply do not see myself ever reaching for it.