Tri Carragh – Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old IBG

Our name, Tri Carragh, is Gaelic for ‘three pillars’. It’s a nod and celebration to the three fundamental core ingredients which are used in the creation of whisky.

Water, barley and yeast have been used for centuries to produce Scotland’s finest spirit. When put through their paces, left to rest for years in an oak cask, they create a unique liquid, every single time.

As single cask malts, Tri Carragh bottles are limited in numbers. Each out-turn will eventually sell out, be enjoyed, never to be replicated. But each and every release is a considered choice in both quality and character. We select each cask in a thoughtful manner, choosing the distillery and spirit which will encourage the most conversation.

We are big fans of this unpeated distillery. It has just the right hint of coastal, which we think is a giveaway if doing a blind tasting. Although young, we felt that the best of these island characteristics shone through. Ideal to be included in our first release line-up.

Nose: Initial unreduced nose of boozy vanilla sponge and marzipan, followed by sweet tobacco, fresh sea air – almost like when a freshwater river meets the sea with beach fire embers with a hint of burnt marshmallow from yesterday’s s’mores. The nose with water is moral floral, heather, grassy sand dunes, seaside leaves with a hint of lemon.

Taste: First a lovely sweet and salted under ripe pear, lingering lemon and mint cordial, sherbet, white pepper, and lasting apple flavoured vape. With water it still has a hint of smoke with a slight spice bite, much more juicy sweetness now with more apple and melon. Seaside freshness throughout.

Region: Islay
Age: 9 Years
Distil Date: 07.03.13
Strength: 58.3%
Cask Type: Refill Bourbon Hogshead
Outturn: One of 358 bottles
Additional Info: Single Cask Single Malt