Bruichladdich Islay Barley Rockside Farm 2007

Nose: Malt and cereals, some citrus notes, honeydew melon and a little barley sugar. There's a fresh seaside note to this, almost like gusts of blustery on-shore breeze. There's also some orchard fruit. Palate: The arrival is crisply cereal and barley-sugar. As it develops, the cereal foundation gains sweetness and almost honeyed notes. It's not a particularly complex palate, and completely devoid of smoke, but like the nose there is a fresh coastal aspect to it that is very appealing. Finish: Medium. Fruity and yes - there's the barley sugar surfacing again before it finally fades away. The lingering memory is of a very fresh but assured spirit-driven whisky. It's very tight and almost highly-strung when neat and a dash of water does it no harm at all, letting the nose bloom and hidden sweet floral aromas and flavours emerge. This presents all the best characteristics of a youthful spirit without drawing undue attention to its lack of maturity. It would be a good malt to enjoy on a sunny spring day when there's a slight chill in the air. "Very Good" : 85/100 (4 stars)