A true coming-of-age bottling from Bruichladdich, this is the first 18-year-old single malt to join the Islay distillery's portfolio. The distillery was mothballed in 1994 before reopening in 2001, and this single malt is created entirely from stocks that were produced after its renaissance. Bruichladdich has been working with farming partners on Islay since 2004, raising crops of locally grown barley. This 18-year-old is created from a combo of Islay, organic, and Scottish mainland-grown barley, with each cask and barley varietal fully traceable. Matured on Islay, the whisky was aged predominantly in bourbon casks, alongside a smaller number of Sauternes and Port casks, vatted and married for nine months before bottling at a robust 50% ABV, without added colour or chill filtration.
You might have also noticed the rather smart packaging, reflecting Bruichladdich's sustainability strategy to use less and use better. The bottle is produced from an average of 60% recycled glass, and lighter in weight than your typical prestige expression, while the bespoke outer packaging is a first for the whisky industry, made from fully recyclable paper pulp, molded to the shape of the bottle.
Bright citrus zest and ripe orchard fruits lead, with green apple, pear, and a touch of apricot. Vanilla pod and honeyed malt emerge alongside gentle floral notes, a hint of sea breeze, and soft oak spice.
Rich and layered, balancing creamy toffee, lemon curd, and fresh peach with toasted almonds and coconut from the bourbon casks. Waves of honey-drizzled cereal and buttery pastry meet dried apricot and subtle tropical fruit from the Sauternes influence, with a warming prickle of ginger and clove.
Long, elegant, and gently coastal, with lingering malt sweetness, salted caramel, and a delicate trace of wine-poached fruits
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Just cracked open this Bruichladdich (Massive Ardbeg Fan so thought I’d give another Islay Whisky a try) and am so glad I did. From first sip to last mouthful of a large glass it is simply a fantastic dram. Mouth warming without any alcohol burn, long lasting and full of flavour. I think Beginners and Experts alike will enjoy this Whisky.
