Introduction I’ve always appreciated Bunnahabhain’s approach to Islay whisky—often unpeated and led more by cask character than smoke. When I came across a 17-year-old single cask expression from them, matured in a first fill sherry hogshead, it immediately had my attention. First fill sherry casks bring a boldness I tend to enjoy, especially when paired with the subtle maritime character that Bunnahabhain does so well. Nose Right off the pour, the aroma was rich and inviting. I picked up a strong sherried influence—dark raisins, dried figs, and a hint of blackberry compote. There’s a warm nuttiness underneath, something like toasted walnuts or old wood. It’s not overly sweet, which I appreciated—it leans more toward earthy and mature notes. With time in the glass, a soft coastal breeze comes through, just enough to remind me this is still an Islay malt. Palate The palate delivered exactly what I was hoping for. Full-bodied and mouth-coating, the whisky brings forward dried fruits again—dates and prunes especially—along with a touch of clove and cinnamon. There’s a firm oak backbone, but not overwhelming. I liked how balanced the sherry influence was; it adds depth without tipping into heaviness. Hints of burnt caramel and leather added some additional nuance toward the mid-palate, creating a well-rounded tasting experience. No peat smoke to speak of, just the natural strength of the spirit and the cask doing their work. Finish The finish carried on with good weight. Medium-long, I’d say, with lingering notes of dark chocolate and a gentle spice. I noticed some salted almonds and a faint mineral edge as it tapered off, which gave the finish a bit of grip. It’s definitely one of those whiskies that leaves you thinking in between sips. Price and Value At around £140, it’s clearly a special bottle, and the pricing aligns with other limited release, single cask Bunnahabhains of similar age and quality. Given the first fill sherry maturation and the fact that it’s bottled at cask strength without chill filtering, I felt the price was fair. It's not cheap, but it delivers on all the depth and complexity I’d expect from a well-aged, well-handled release. Background Bunnahabhain is based in the northeast of Islay and is known for producing whisky that differs from many of its island neighbours—it’s generally unpeated, focusing more on cask character and distillate clarity. The distillery's approach suits sherry maturation particularly well, and this expression is a textbook case. It was bottled by Gleann Mor as part of their Rare Find series, drawn from a first fill hogshead that held Oloroso sherry. For more about the distillery, visit the official Bunnahabhain website. Final Notes Would I buy this bottle again? I would, though it’s the kind of whisky I’d reach for on special occasions rather than as a regular pour. Is it suitable for someone new to whisky? Possibly, if they already lean toward rich, sherry-forward flavours—but the cask strength and complexity might be more rewarding for someone with a few bottles under their belt. This is a whisky that rewards patience and attention. As for how it fits into Bunnahabhain’s broader offerings, it stands apart from their core range due to its intensity and cask-driven complexity. It's also an unpeated option for those interested in Islay malts but not into smoke, which is always a welcome change.