Bunnahabhain 1979 25 Year Old Lombard Jewels of Scotland
£439.00
TheBunnahabhain 1979 25 Year Old from theLombard Jewels of Scotland series is a highly regarded independent bottling from Islay.
This single cask is limited to only 559 bottles Worldwide, making it a very rare and highly collectable. For a whisky connoisseur, the Bunnahabhain 1979 25 Year Old (Lombard Jewels of Scotland) is a fascinating study in “old-school” Islay character. It is often cited as a “divergent” dram because it defies the modern expectation of a 25-year-old sherry-matured whisky.
Key Characteristics
Brand: Bunnahabhain
Type: Single Malt
Category: Scotch Whisky
Distilled: 16 April 1979
Bottled: 15 October 2004
Age: 25 Year Old
Alc: 50%
Vol: 70cl
1 in stock
Description
Bunnahabhain 1979 25 Year Old from theLombard “Jewels of Scotland”
The “Hidden” Sherry Influence
Most modern whiskies aged for 25 years in a sherry butt (like the official Bunnahabhain 25) are “sherry bombs”—dark, rich, and dominated by dried fruits (raisins, dates).
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The Reality: This Lombard bottling is surprisingly pale. Connoisseurs believe this was likely a refill sherry butt, meaning the wood influence is subtle.
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The Result: Instead of heavy fruit, you get “industrial” and “bakery” notes: buttercream frosting, wax, and machine oil.
It is often cited as a “divergent” dram because it defies the modern expectation of a 25-year-old sherry-matured whisky.
Tasting Notes
| Feature | What to Look For |
| Nose | Wax candles, almond oil, lemon peel, and a very specific “hot engine” or industrial scent. |
| Palate | Thick and creamy. Toasted walnuts, salt-sprayed wood, and “Battenberg cake” (marzipan/cherry). |
| The “Oddity” | Look for a note of hemp oil or linseed; this is a hallmark of high-quality old Bunnahabhain that has mostly disappeared in modern versions. |
The Verdict
If you are looking for a sweet, jammy sherry experience, this will surprise (and perhaps disappoint) you. However, if you are a connoisseur of “distillery character,” this is a masterpiece. It allows the 1979 spirit to shine through the wood rather than being buried by it.
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