Bunnahabhain AD Rattray 30/1978 #7216

So, this being an old Islay whisky, anything is possible. They can be massively intense, or too old and feeble. You take your chances on disappointment. This dram, however, is still very much a potent buck!

You can sense its oilyness even on the nose: pears, pears, ground cinnamon, more pears. Wait, is this a Highland in disguise? For 57% ABV, the EtOH burn you're expecting is not too overwhelming. There's a carbolic/soapy note, faint, but it's there, telling you this is nonetheless still an Islay. Now for the palate: super oily. More pears. And then bang! A stong smoky fishy kippery note comes fully blackened. Interesting, indeed! Pear sweetness garnished over blackened crispy BBQ fish! Again EtOH burn is nicely muted. The finish is very short, suprisingly, only the smoke/burnt charcoal notes linger. I can feel the grit in my teeth almost.

I like this, a lot. But warning: it is not for the fainthearted. If you like strong, unusual Islay's, you'll love it. Only from there will you find BBQ fish + grilled pears liquified and bottled! This is a gem.

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