Distillery: Bruichladdich
Bottled: 2021
Age: Multi-Vintage
Bottles: 4,000
ABV: 52.1%
Cask: Multiple

I’ve been a bit of a Bruichladdich fan boy for many years and I’ve had the pleasure to try dozens of drams from all three lines (Unpeated, Port Charlotte, and Octomore). This is definitely a first for me: a blend of casks from all three varieties!

Nose: Berry compote & sticky toffee. Damp bonfire. Ozone and wet rocks. Musky perfume. Hard cheese rind. Maybe a touch of brandy in there?

Palate: Stewed plums and blueberries. Thick and viscous mouthfeel. Oily black coffee and very dark bitter chocolate. Dry and ashy. Very coastal and mineral-rich. Tart cranberries and pink peppercorns. Lovely.

Finish: Tingly with creamy oak. A touch of porridge and more ashes. Lasts a long time – I’m still smacking my lips 15 minutes later.

An intriguing, smoky, and very dry dram. Lovely wafts of sour fruits, wood smoke, and a coastal mineral-rich backbone. The smoke is ever present but never overpowering. Very similar to wine-matured Port Charlotte I’ve had before.

Here’s the cask breakdown:

Classy and intriguing and evolves plenty in the glass. The wine influence is clear and it goes beautifully with some dark chocolate. It’s definitely a slow-paced thinker of a dram and should be a delight for any Laddie nerds.

Overall: 8/10

There’s only 4000 bottles available so good luck if you’re entering the ballot!