Bunnahabhain 35-year-old (D.1979, B.2018) Sherry Butt, Artist #8 / 47.9%/ 0.7l

“Artist” is an extremely carefully selected series of whiskies from the portfolio of the Parisian store La Maison du Whisky.

Its presentation is equally attractive, with each edition featuring a work by a contemporary artist. The Bunnahabhain on display here, part of the Artist #8 Sherry series, was distilled in 1979 and aged for 35 years in a butt no. 9521 sherry cask. The edition consisted of 472 bottles, all featuring a copy of a painting by the Japanese painter Takehiko Sugawara. (Producer's note.)

Aroma: sensual and concentrated; notes of sandpaper, a drop of iodine and a strong floral scent (geranium and elderberry), and the initial bouquet is completed by cocoa beans and a hint of leather. The second wave carries fruity tones (oranges, figs, apricots), spicy (cinnamon and ginger) and a breath of the tropics (passion fruit and mango), while in the finale we are tempted by notes of cardamom, eucalyptus and basil.

Taste: incredibly smooth; an attack of sweetness, violet liqueur, milk chocolate, licorice and dried fruit (dates, walnuts). After a while, our palates are pampered by licorice and lime honey, juicy dark grapes, ripe bananas, cloves and "bourbon" vanilla.

Finish: long and silky, extends the kaleidoscope of the flavor palette, emphasizing its exotic side (passion fruit, mango, guava), and the final accord carries notes of milk chocolate, cappuccino, strawberries, blueberries and a pinch of ginger.