Old Particular Asian Friendship Series Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2005

Volume: 700ml / ABV: 54.5%

Distilled in 2005, charged from an ex-bourbon barrel and bottled in February 2021 by the Douglas Laing team. Only 201 bottles of this single cask release are available. This is part of Old Particular “Asia Pacific Friendship Series”- it's nice to see the more niche and quality brands dedicating a series of releases just for Asia.

Tasting Note

Nose

The ethanol is hot and peppery, though not as intense as the Inchgower. It takes time for the heat to subside, revealing light notes of saba banana peel, brown sugar, salted caramel, and orange candy. However, like the Inchgower, the heat interferes, but eventually sapodilla, guava, and herbs emerge.

Palate

The heat here is intense, obscuring the flavors. Initially, I catch light notes of orange peel, salted vanilla, brown sugar, and sapodilla, with an unusually oily texture. Later, brief hints of guava and a Japanese green cup jelly from my youth come through.