Scotland
Bruichladdich
Single Malt
The Bruichladdich distillery tells the tale of its resurrection with this remarkable 30-year-old single malt. The Islay-based distillery was devastatingly mothballed in 1994, lying silent until it was able to reopen in 2001. Whisky stocks remained in the distillery's warehouses during its closure, with just two members of staff remaining to safeguard their lonely maturation. This single malt celebrates the distillery's legacy, combining whisky drawn from those surviving casks, distilled before Bruichladdich's renaissance. Matured entirely in bourbon casks, 50% spent its full term in refill hogsheads with the other 50% re-casked from refills into freshies after 20 years. After vatting, the whisky married for a further three months in refill bourbon barrels before it was bottled up without added colour or chill filtration at 43.25 ABV.
Bruichladdich has also taken the opportunity to unveil its exceedingly slick, and supremely sustainable new bottle design here, embracing its strategy to use less and use better. The bottle is made from an average of 60% recycled glass, and is lighter in weight than you'll often find in high-age statement releases. The sleek outer packaging is a bespoke design that's a first in the whisky world, made from fully recyclable paper pulp, molded to the shape of the bottle.
The gentle influence of oak opens on the nose, bringing notes of coconut, wild gorse flowers, Brazil nuts and a hint of vanilla. Subtle floral notes of geranium and rose are paired with pear drops and candied lemons, with soft spices and a whisper of cinnamon complementing Bruichladdich’s signature maritime character.
The delicate sweetness of toasted oak comes to the fore, followed by light fruits, honey, fudge and a hint of leather. The gentle floral profile opens with time, revealing an immense depth of flavour. The American oak shapes the softness of the flavour, with the delicate salty tang of fresh Islay sea air unmistakable on the palate.
The spirit’s all-Islay maturation has a significant influence on the finish, with a vibrant tang of sea salt balanced with warm oak, while soft vanilla and sweet coconut lingers.
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