K&L Exclusive Stunner: Age-Stated, Single-Cask Islay
2006 Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($109.99)
“… it truly delivers a unique and delicious experience you’re not getting anywhere else for this price.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Right up there with Hart Brothers and Sovereign, Old Particular is one of our all-time favorite independent bottlers, and we’ve just secured another spectacular exclusive cask of Bunnahabhain from their cherished stocks. Some of our greatest bang-for-the-buck single barrels in recent years have come to us through this top-tier Islay distillery, and this 15 Year Old Ex-Bourbon Barrel is no exception. While many other Islay malts of a similar age are going for well north of $200 (or more), this unbeatable specimen is available for just over the century mark. Spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard notes, “I just love how something so elegant and subtle on the nose can translate to something so racy and bold on the palate … you’ll find this mysterious little Islay is hiding some serious chops behind that proof.” Bottled at cask strength, it’s tailor-made for a dash of water to release its panoply of flavor complexities, with an especially salty component that Islay fanatics are going to absolutely love. Once again, this cask yielded a miniscule quantity of bottles, so Bunnah fans should act quickly and lock in their supply before it disappears.

2006 Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($109.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 10, 2021

We had one of these 2006s about five years ago from Old Particular. At 10 years old for $60, it was a pretty screaming deal. Now, Islay—even this unpeated one—is simply on fire, so we’re very careful to make sure what we’re putting out are extremely good values. While I wish we could still sell this for $80 like we did the 12 Year a couple of years ago, the reality is that those were very undervalued, and while we sold 15- & 18-Year Bowmore a couple of years ago for $150, it’s now worth $500 a bottle two years later. This relatively modest increase doesn’t keep this Bunnah out of our range, as it truly delivers a unique and delicious experience you’re not getting anywhere else for this price. The color is pale straw. The nose is relatively restrained at first, and it definitely needs some air and water to open. Once you’ve let it breathe, expect a fabulous mélange of salted butter, crystal malt, pithy citrus peel, and sweet tarts. It’s not the most powerful nose, but it’s elegant and linear and very inviting (after water, of course). But wait for the palate on this one. Here it’s really starting to turn up—rich salted fudge, yellow pluots, bright lemon peel, and a vibrant minerality. I just love how something so elegant and subtle on the nose can translate to something so racy and bold on the palate. Of course, the salty side is a favorite of mine as well. This will be a bit of a sleeper and might not be the best choice for those looking for big bold flavors, but if you’re a slow sipper that loves to take their time and let a whisky unravel, you’ll find this mysterious little Islay is hiding some serious chops behind that proof.