Bruichladdich “Laddie Classic” Edition 01 (46%, OB, 2009)

The nose is gentle at first but quickly reveals rich dried fruits, honey and some very vague hints of tobacco and varnish. Hovering in the back ground is the slightest hint of mint followed by some maritime notes and bees wax. A different aroma for a Bruichladdich in some ways and very good. The taste is right off very nice; the rich dried fruits that come across as a Sauternes finish along with some good pepper, oak spice and barley sugar. It’s not overly sweet but there is a good rich sweetness to it. Some really good malt pops up suddenly and then the rich dried fruit emerge again. Lots going on here. The finish is more of the aforementioned descriptors and it continues to be mouth smashingly good, more of the rich fruit notes that continue off into the sunset for an amazingly long time. The finish is very long and warming.

A grand dram to sit quietly with, it takes some study but it’s all there. And many thanks to Duncan for the sample.

$80 or £33 at the Whisky Exchange

Score 86 points