Signatory Vintage 1975 Bunnahabhain 48 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Signatory Vintage 1975 Bunnahabhain 48 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an extraordinary old Islay release, distilled on 28 February 1975 and bottled on 5 October 2023 after an exceptional 48 years of maturation. Released to celebrate Signatory Vintage’s 35th Anniversary, this remarkable whisky was drawn from a single Oloroso Sherry Butt, Cask #2845, after nearly five decades in oak. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 50.2% ABV, with an extremely limited outturn of just 361 bottles worldwide, it is a rare example of long-aged Bunnahabhain retaining both intensity and composure. Expect mature sherry richness, dark fruits, beeswax, polished oak and subtle coastal character, all wrapped in an elegant, deeply layered texture.

Distillery: Bunnahabhain Distillery
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Series: 35th Anniversary / Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve
Vintage: 1975
Age: 48 Years Old
ABV: 50.2%
Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry Butt
Cask Number: 2845
Outturn: 361 Bottles

Founded in 1988, Signatory Vintage has become one of Scotland’s most highly regarded independent bottlers, renowned for preserving exceptional single casks and presenting them with minimal intervention. Its 35th Anniversary releases showcased a selection of particularly rare and mature whiskies, with this Bunnahabhain 1975 standing among the oldest expressions in the collection. Bunnahabhain itself was founded in 1881 on Islay’s north-eastern coast and is known for a comparatively gentle, fruit-driven and maritime house style rather than the intense peat associated with many other Islay distilleries. After 48 years in a single Oloroso butt, that elegant spirit has developed remarkable depth, combining mature sherry character, old oak, dark fruit and waxy complexity while retaining enough strength to remain vibrant and expressive.

Tasting Notes:

The aroma is deeply mature and beautifully layered, opening with dark grapes, dried apricots and raisins alongside beeswax, sandalwood and polished old oak. Rich Oloroso character brings dark chocolate, walnut and subtle leather, while a faint coastal salinity and trace of gentle smoke sit quietly underneath. The palate is luscious and expansive, with concentrated dried fruits, dark chocolate and roasted nuts joined by old leather, tobacco and warm spice. Mature oak tannins provide structure without dominating, while hints of apricot and dark berry sweetness keep the whisky remarkably alive for its age. The finish is exceptionally long and refined, with lingering sherry richness, dark fruits, beeswax and sandalwood gradually fading into dry oak, cocoa and a delicate wisp of smoke.