Bruichladdich and Bowmore are two of the top distilleries in Scotland. These Islay distilleries stand on opposite sides of Loch Indal with little more than two miles of water separating them. Although Islay single malts tend to be big, potent and aggressive, both of these distilleries manage to put an elegant twist on their delightful whiskeys.

These are two of our favorite new additions to our single malt selection. We loved them so much we purchased the entire barrel and had them bottled at cask strength.

Bruichladdich 1989 22-year-old Chieftains 51.4% abv – $129.99

This scotch shows a pale gold color. The nose delivers amazing aromas of citrus, marzipan, vanilla cake batter, stone fruit, brine, and brown butter with bananas. A drop of water brings out a cornucopia of tropical fruit and a touch of brown spice. The palate exhibits ripe white fruit and apricots, sandlewood, brine, and a slight oily quality with a hint of smoke on the back palate. The finish is mouth-coating with butterscotch sweetness all held together with a classic Bruichladdich brininess.

Bowmore 1984 28-year-old Lorne Mackillop 50% apv – $150.00

The initial aromas convey heather, flamed orange peel, brine, and hints of stone fruit. There is a slight oily texture with flavors of anise, cake batter, smoke and oil. The palate progresses to apples and pears with good wood spice, hints of dry oak, and banana bread. The finish is long and pleasant, evolving into flavors of papaya and guava with some herbs and wood.