Bunnahabhain 40yr

When this whisky was laid down in our coastal warehouses many of our malt deliveries were made by boat to our very own pier at the distillery. Indeed, there was a time when the only way to reach us was by boat.
Men like The Helmsman on our bottle braved the elements, setting sail come rain or shine to provide a lifeline for the tiny community of distillery workers and their families who lived so far from civilisation.
Whilst we now have a road, making life a little easier, we stick to the old ways, when it comes to distilling our unique malt whisky
 
Little has changed since the first spirit was distilled back in the 19th century. Malted barley, which hasn’t been smoked over heavy peat fires, is still shipped in – although, now by road not sea. We still use the same spring water, and of course, time continues to play its vital role. Forty long years have crawled past as this spirit has been left to sleep in its safe haven by the sea, cocooned in warmth and darkness.

Indeed the casks that this whisky was maturing in had been, all but, forgotten until our blender discovered it while reviewing the distillery warehouse whisky ledgers. Sourced from the legendary wines and spirit merchant, J.G Turney, these casks have been the home for this stunning whisky for the past forty years.

Andrew Brown, our Distillery Manager and his predecessors have overseen every part of this ancient malt’s maturation. From hand selecting each oak cask – and discarding any with imperfections – to taking the bold, adventurous move of not chill filtering the spirit. This allows more of the whisky’s complex aroma, flavour and texture to remain. It’s a natural way to end a perfectly natural process and allows you to enjoy a full-bodied taste and savour a spirit rich in depth.
 
Four long decades have ticked slowly by as this precious liquid has been slowly, silently maturing in Turney casks. This unique spirit is as incredibly rare as it is prized – so you’re holding an irreplaceable piece of history.

Colour: Rich lemony gold.

Nose: Hints of tropical fruits, banana, berries, creamy toffee, vanilla, rich nuttiness and delicate sweet oak.

Palate: Sweet malt, creamy caramel, vanilla, creamy berries, with hints of toasted nuts, tropical fruit, banana and pineapple.

Finish: Long sweet and fruity.