Bruichladdich
Scotland
Single Malt
Bruichladdich's flagship unpeated single malt release, made with 100% Scottish barley. It's also bottled at a hearty 50% ABV, which is a chunk higher than equivalent releases from almost any other distillery (usually 40-46%). This bottling strength is said to help bring the barley notes to the fore. Head Distiller Adam Hannett works with an ever-increasing range of casks aged alongside Lochindaal as well as changing profiles and varieties of carefully traced barley to put together a refreshing whisky with the signature fruity and floral Bruichladdich house style.
Elegantly sweet with honey'd barley, boiled sweets and orange petals. Wafts of sea air.
Red apples and white grapes, with touches of sweet cinnamon and brown sugar. Still softly coastal.
Mineral-rich malt, with toffee and more honey.
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First the positive. I have never seen a whisky with such legs. It's quit amazing how thick it is and how it clings to the glass, a credit to unchill filted whisky and 50%. But, I have also never had a whisky with such a soft nose. It's like sniffing water, at first. Add a little water and let it sit and you will start to pick things up, Lemons, Straw, musty wood. But only with water. Be sure not to ad too much water. Despite the 50% this whisky is easily washed out. It is a soft whisky. The other problem is the lack of an age statement. I don't mind if a whisky is young, if its good quality. Just say it on the bottle. Sadly Bruichladdich, a distillery I love, seems to be flirting with the smoke and mirrors of NAS and fancy bottles. They have discontinued the 10 and put this out to replace it at the same price (where I am) but fudged on the age and hoped that Jim McEwan's beguiling words would win us over. But it's not in the bottle. Just put a year on it guys, come on.
I tried this as an end to a lovely dinner. I was the first recipient of the restaurants first bottle and I hope they've still got some left. It's powerful in scent and alcohol but the taste is broad and well balanced with the most exquisite complexity. This whisky hits with an instant alcohol lip numb which fades into a pleasing tingle, the mouthfeel is smooth and coating. The flavour is strong with or without water, instant bright fruit more apple than citrus and then the barley warmth to settle it down, finishing with a hint of sea air and smoke. Water broadens the fruitiness of the dram and brings a slightly floral character which settles the brightness making it more palatable. A magnificent malt, well worth every penny
I think this whisky is a true experience. the website may fluff things up a bit, but there is some truth there: it is a beautiful dram, from nose to finish. it is as forward out of the bottle as it is delicate after a drop of water and some time. the barley really shines throughout the tasting, cereal sweetness rides along the barrel's nutty vanilla flavors. I was pleasantly surprised, even with relatively high expectations!
Beautiful aromatics of apricot, honey, and fresh grain which carried over into the palate. Very reminiscent of a high end Midelton offering. After four glasses I must admit I almost felt high instead of a typical alcoholic experience, very interesting stuff indeed. Impossible to dislike this dram.
It's an Islay because it's made on Islay, not because it's peated.
