Independent Bottling (IB)

• Region: Islay, Scotland
  
• Distillery: Bunnahabhain
• Age: 35 Years
• ABV: 46.5% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This special bottling of Bunnahabhain 1988 is part of the "Manta Ray - Genesis" series, a highly exclusive release by Whisky Antique (Silver Seal). Drawn from a single sherry cask (#1024), this whisky was matured for 35 years, with only 60 bottles available, making it a rare gem. The label, designed by The East Asia Whisky Company, features a captivating image of a Manta Ray set against an emerald and pink backdrop, symbolizing the deep marine origins of Islay's famous whiskies.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Old-world charm with rich layers of prunes, old cognac, dates, and figs. There’s also a background of chocolate, moss, roasted pecans, and delicate liquorice, reminiscent of antique Speyside malts.
• Palate: A complex array of flavors with deep, antique characteristics, including bouillons, pipe tobacco, truffles, and puréed chestnuts. There are hints of pears poached in Sauternes and very old fortified wines like Malaga, evoking memories of vintage whiskies from the 1970s and 1980s.
• Finish: Long and refined, leaving a sublime, lingering sweetness with notes of chocolate, roasted nuts, and antique wood.

Accolades:

• Rated 92 Points / 5 Stars by WhiskyFun
• Awarded 98 Points by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)

This bottling has earned high praise, with WhiskyFun describing it as "a time machine," taking whisky enthusiasts back to a golden age of whisky craftsmanship. The vintage characteristics make it an extraordinary experience, with a finish that lingers and evolves.

Availability: Very limited stock due to the exclusive nature of this release.

WhiskyFun Review Extract:
"This is more old-school than the House of Lords... We're deeply reminded of some old Speyside malts by G&M, like pre-war, bottled in the 1970s and 1980s. It is a time machine... It would be a real revelation for young whisky enthusiasts." — SGP:651 - 92 points and 5 Stars.

For more information, read the full review here. 

• Region: Islay, Scotland
• Distillery: Port Ellen (Closed)
• Age: 31 Years
• ABV: 46%
• Size: 700 ml

Port Ellen, the lost jewel in Islay's crown, ceased operations in 1983 under DCL (now Diageo) due to an oversupply of peated whisky for blending and a perceived lack of interest as a single malt. Since its closure, Port Ellen has attained legendary status among whisky enthusiasts. A very rare 12-year-old bottling crafted for attendees of Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1980 is believed to be the only distillery bottling produced during its operational years. Diageo later introduced the first publicly available distillery bottlings as part of the Rare Malts Selection, followed by annual special releases.

This particular Port Ellen whisky, bottled by Kingsbury, was distilled in 1982 and matured for 31 years in Single Butt #10259. Only 120 bottles were released.

Independent bottler Kingsbury Wine & Spirits Co. is one of Japan's most sought-after independent bottlers, founded in Aberdeen in 1989 and incorporated in 1992 by Katsuhiko Tanaka, president of Japanese importer Japan Import System Co. Ltd. Initially, Kingsbury sourced most of its stock from Cadenheads, which had been acquired by J&A Mitchell in 1972. As a result, some of the earlier labels bear the name Eaglesome, a high-end deli in Campbeltown acquired by J&A Mitchell & Co. of Springbank distillery, which evolved into one of the region's premier whisky merchants and oversaw the bottling for Kingsbury. Kingsbury has released highly collectible whiskies in the past.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Intense and complex, with layers of dried fruits, spices, and a gentle smokiness that reflects its Islay heritage. Subtle hints of salt and maritime air add depth to the aromatic profile.
• Palate: Rich and velvety, offering flavors of dark chocolate, raisins, and figs, balanced by a warming peat influence. Notes of roasted nuts and a touch of toffee round out the palate beautifully.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering smokiness that intertwines with sweet fruit notes and a touch of oak, inviting you back for another sip.

• Region: Speyside, Scotland
• Distillery: Glen Grant
• Age: 30 Years
• ABV: 53.8% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This vintage whisky was distilled in 1983 and bottled in 2013 exclusively for Whisky Talk Fukuoka by Kingsbury, with only 263 bottles released. Its rarity and age make it a prized addition for collectors and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the artistry and heritage of Glen Grant.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Fresh and vibrant, with a bouquet of citrus fruits, honey, and buttery notes that create a delightful aromatic experience. Beautiful cereal and malty notes emerge, enhanced by a subtle hint of dark chocolate lingering in the background.
• Palate: On the palate, the whisky showcases a harmonious blend of sweet honey and zesty citrus, complemented by a creamy texture and rich maltiness. A gentle spice adds complexity, inviting exploration of its intricate flavors.
• Finish: The finish is long and warming, with notes of sweet honey and lingering chocolate that leave a satisfying impression, making each sip a delightful journey.

• Region: Islay (Scotland)
• Distillery: Caol Ila
• Age: 15 Years
• ABV: 54.1% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This exceptional Caol Ila Whisky was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022, having matured in a single cask (#4079) at a Natural Cask Strength of 54.1% ABV. With only 255 bottles released, this whisky is a rare find for enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: A burst of peat smoke complemented by earthy notes, salty seaweed, dried meat, and a hint of honey syrup. The aroma is rounded off with roasty and dried plum sweetness.
• Palate: Features dried fruit sweetness intertwined with salted caramel, grassy notes, and an assertive peat smoke character.
• Finish: Delivers a warming finish with rich dark chocolate undertones.

• Region: Speyside, Scotland
• Distillery: Dailuaine
• Age: 14 Years
• ABV: 57.2% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Cask: Sherry
• Size: 700 ml

Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2023, this Silver Seal Dailuaine 14 Years Old is a limited edition from cask number #11067, with only 233 bottles available worldwide.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: The nose is rich with notes of raisin, salty accents, dried plum, and crème brûlée, complemented by creamy nuances, pencil shavings, and hints of leather.
• Palate: The palate reveals a delightful combination of salty and nutty flavors, with a creamy texture and a sweetness from dried fruits, resulting in a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel.
• Finish: The whisky concludes with a medium-length finish, leaving a warm and pleasant aftertaste.

• Region: Speyside (Scotland)
• Distillery: Linkwood
• Age: 14 Years
• ABV: 56.8% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This remarkable Linkwood Whisky, distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022, has been matured in a single cask (#4103) at a Natural Cask Strength of 56.8% ABV. With only 251 bottles released, this whisky is a true collector’s gem.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Inviting aromas of fresh green fruits, including pear and crunchy apple, complemented by caramel, honey, and plums.
• Palate: The initial sweetness is beautifully balanced with fruity plum notes and a touch of hot spices.
• Finish: A medium to long finish characterized by spices, with hints of cardamom and black tea, providing a warming sensation.

• Region: Highlands, Scotland
• Distillery: Royal Brackla
• Age: 15 Years
• ABV: 59.3%
• Size: 700 ml

This exceptional Royal Brackla Whisky was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023, having matured in a single cask of refilled hogshead (#11064). With only 217 bottles released worldwide, this whisky is a rare find for enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Opens with inviting notes of sponge cake, vanilla, and butter, complemented by zesty citrus peels, caramel, and toffee.
• Palate: The taste delivers a delightful candied sweetness, enriched with hints of nuttiness, followed by salted caramel and a medley of warm spices.
• Finish: A long and satisfying finish, showcasing warm spices like cloves and cinnamon.

For a truly transformative experience, we highly recommend adding a splash of water. This reveals enhanced citrus and sweet mandarin notes, beautifully balanced with hints of baked tarts, minerality, and saltiness, making it an incredibly enjoyable whisky.