Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Vintage Marsala Cask Finish
The Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Vintage is a rare and decadent single malt, distilled on 1 December 1988 and initially matured in traditional oak casks before being transferred on 7 July 2016 into four Marsala hogsheads for finishing. Bottled at cask strength (47.4% ABV) after over three decades of maturation, this limited release of just 1,260 bottles combines the distillery’s signature unpeated style with the indulgent sweetness of Marsala wine casks, creating a whisky of balance, depth, and elegance.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
Founded in 1881 on Islay’s rugged northeastern coast, Bunnahabhain is renowned for producing a gentler style of Islay whisky, often unpeated and shaped by coastal influence. With an emphasis on sherry and wine cask maturation, the distillery has built a reputation for crafting complex, fruit-driven whiskies that age gracefully. Its name, meaning “mouth of the river” in Gaelic, reflects its coastal location and maritime character.
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Vintage Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich oak, honeyed nuts, sweet fruit, Marsala wine influence, berries, florals, and candied fruit.
Palate: Full-bodied with rich oak, dark chocolate, sweet grape, vanilla, soft caramel, creamy berries, and subtle wood spice.
Finish: Long and lingering with layers of fruit and sweet oak.
Why Add Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Vintage to Your Collection?
With only 1,260 bottles released worldwide, this vintage Bunnahabhain represents both rarity and refined craftsmanship. Its long maturation and Marsala cask finishing impart indulgent sweetness layered with coastal subtlety, making it a distinctive addition to any collection. As a cask strength bottling over three decades old, it is a whisky that exemplifies Bunnahabhain’s understated elegance while offering exceptional collector appeal.