Bunnahabhain 2008 Spectacular Horses Mane Waves Cask No. 10.249 (SMWS)

Review #094 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 59.2% Comments: aged 14 years, bottled in celebration of 30 years of the Society’s American chapter, matured for ten years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before being transferred to a 1st-fill Spanish oak Oloroso butt for four more years Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly, but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Buttery dark chocolates, chocolate covered cherries, salted caramel, orange citrus, and stormy ocean breeze, accompanied by more subtle hints of leather and coffee grounds. Palate: 34/40 Not overly complex, sweet but also nicely balanced. Raisins, caramel, lime zest, honey, and almonds stand out most. There’s a mild saltiness and a sprinkle of cinnamon as well to help round it out. I really enjoy it when these seasoning flavors are evident but take a back seat as opposed to being overpowering, just like when properly used in cooking or baking. Finish: 35/40 Long finish. There’s a short burst of berry jam and vanilla at the start which really elevates the sweet flavor profile. Slowly the sweetness fades, gradually becoming a bit salty, and drying out further from there. I start to taste oak tannins, bitter baking cocoa, and a hints of sour citrus and dried hay. The lingering flavor is that of cherry cough syrup. With Water: A couple drops of water elevates the sweet profile of the palate and adds a bit of heat, though I can’t discern any new flavors. The cough syrup I initially only detected as a lingering flavor is also more prevalent on the finish. Total: 85/100 Final thoughts: I do enjoy a good sherried Bunnahabhain, and find that their distillate responds especially well to sherry cask influence. This one does not disappoint, and reminds me of a slightly less complex but more full-bodied variant of the Bunnahabhain 18 Year. If I’d been a SMWS member when this bottle dropped, I for sure would have entered the lottery to procure one. Now that I’ve tried (and really enjoyed) a sample of it, I’m not sure if I’d still jump to buy it at $190, but would thoroughly enjoy another pour as 2oz isn’t quite enough! Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: yes Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.