Signatory Vintage 1978 Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Signatory Vintage 1978 Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an extraordinary old Islay release, distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2023 after 45 years of maturation. Released as a prestige edition for Signatory Vintage’s 35th Anniversary, this exceptionally rare whisky was drawn from a single Oloroso Sherry Butt, Cask #2588, after more than four decades in oak. Bottled at a naturally reduced cask strength of 42.6% ABV, the cask yielded just 351 bottles worldwide. At this age, the whisky displays the remarkable depth and elegance associated with long-matured Bunnahabhain, combining rich rancio character, stewed fruits, praline, polished oak and savoury coastal notes in a beautifully composed and highly limited single cask.

Distillery: Bunnahabhain Distillery
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Series: 35th Anniversary / Cask Strength Collection
Vintage: 1978
Age: 45 Years Old
ABV: 42.6%
Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry Butt
Cask Number: 2588
Outturn: 351 Bottles

Founded in 1988, Signatory Vintage has built a formidable reputation for bottling exceptional individual casks from across Scotland, often preserving whiskies that would otherwise disappear into blends or larger vatting programmes. This release formed part of Signatory’s 35th Anniversary celebrations and represents the upper end of its mature single-cask selections. Bunnahabhain, founded in 1881 on Islay’s north-eastern coast, is known for a style that is generally less heavily peated than many of its island neighbours, instead emphasising malt, fruit, nuttiness and a distinctive maritime quality. After 45 years in a single Oloroso butt, that elegant house character has evolved into something far deeper and more complex, with mature sherry richness, rancio, old oak and savoury coastal notes working together in remarkable balance.

Tasting Notes:

The aroma is deeply mature and layered, opening with salted caramel, stewed fruits and praline alongside polished oak, leather and a gentle coastal salinity. Rich dried fruits and nutty Oloroso character gradually emerge, accompanied by old wood, subtle tobacco and warming baking spice. The palate is elegant rather than forceful, with caramelised fruit, dark nuts, leather and mature sherry richness supported by clove, soft spice and a gentle savoury edge. Decades in oak have created considerable depth without stripping away Bunnahabhain’s character, and the lower natural cask strength gives the whisky a remarkably composed texture. The finish is long, dry and refined, with lingering stewed fruit, walnut, leather, salted caramel and old oak fading slowly into delicate spice.