Well-matured Islay single malt from the Bunnahabhain distillery – a wonderful sight! This expression was distilled in 1980 and initially matured in oloroso sherry casks, before being moved over to canasta (nothing to do with the card game of the same name) sherry casks for a finishing period. It’s bottled at 36 years of age, with an ABV of 49.5%. The wooden presentation box is also aptly handsome for a release quite so intriguing and delicious.

A truly special release, this 1980 Canasta is a real Bunnahabhain 'sherry bomb'. You'll find rich oak, dark chocolate and vanilla notes on the nose, and taste the merest hint of coastal brininess, with sweet dried fruit, treacle and cocoa. The finish is dry, lingering and sweet - delicious!

1 of 1,220 bottles, 90.83 Points at Whiskybase.