Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013

My first few pours were underwhelming from this bottle. As a peat lover, theres plenty to love of all things islay, so i was quite excited for this one. The first few pours left plenty to the imagination, but after being open for a few weeks, i revisited today. Upon first sip, i explored my brain for the sensation i was experiencing. I smiled as i found it. Once this bottle opened up, it took me back to walking along a grassy meadow with sporadic bushes and trees with my little brother around 10 years old. We would look for honeysuckle flowers and pull the middle out for the same sweet nectar the bees were searching for. The taste was extremely sweet, floral, and only on the palate for a moment. As soon as you got a good one, you hungered for another taste. Thats how i feel about this bottle. Its a short finish, but while its there, its an innocent, sweet, delicate offering.

Sweet at first sip. Comfortable warmness once swallowed.

Very sweet nose of apple and honey, maybe some floral notes. Taste was pleasant but almost overly sweet, mild spice and moved into a medium finish. Enjoyable but not something I’d probably buy.

Very smooth vanilla notes with dried fruits

Intense. Complexity is not apparent without about 12 drops of water and 20 min airing. Warm up with a sweet or lightly peated dram, first. Not at all sweet, but earthy with a slight funk on the smell and light brine and vanilla on the taste.