Bunnahabhain Limited 1963 Edition 40 Year Old, 2003, 42.9%

The smoke feels like a steady supporting thread, not the whole story: cooked fruit and sweet, nutty notes keep this lightly peated Islay on a fruitier track. The hint of salt adds a welcome contrast, while peat stays in the frame through the finish. The unexpected fuzz on the palate is an unusual wrinkle, so this sounds more intriguing than completely polished—but the balance of fruit and smoke has plenty of appeal.

Reviewed by ShortwaveRadio

Nose

Cooked fruit, perhaps prunes or dates, Slight peat later

Palate

Sweet, fruity and nutty, Slightly peaty, with a hint of salt, An unexpected fuzz on the taste buds, A definite touch of smoke

Finish

Good length, with peat as the abiding memory