The first whisky, distilled by the new owners of Bruichladdich, to be released in the traditional Bruichladdich low peating level of 10 PPM (it’s been reported that subsequent bottlings will be in the 3-5 PPM level), in any case it’s a pleasant change to have a nose around Bruichladdich without shed loads of peat obscuring the view. Released in October 2008.

The nose is rich and immediately brings forth images of butter, white wine, malt, honey, fruit, oak, hints of brine and very gentle coal smoke. This is a multi faceted nose and it’s very busy; there are loads of aromas and all very good. With water there is a sudden change with the arrival of plasticine followed by the malt and some pine resin but still with a sweet background. The undiluted taste is of fruit, very light leather, citrus, raisins, toffee, malt spicy oak with a later arrival of some strong oaky malt and some hints of tobacco. After a few minutes the oaky malt dominates and is quite unusual. Some shades of Springbank in here. With water the taste is much smoother and much gentler and surprisingly the plasticine  is not present but there is juniper and associated spices (think of a good Gin) and malt. A surprise and quite nice. The finish is woody and malty at first with the malt being very chewy and mouth smacking, some bitter fruit in here towards the end followed by a sweetness (honey, vanilla bean). It’s very long and enjoyable.

A good quality dram and it’s nice to see such quality from such a youngish whisky.

C$75

Score 86 Points

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