Bruichladdich Rock'ndaal 01.1 (Fèis Ìle 2022)

Review #017 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50% Comments: NAS, ex-bourbon Tasted after: Bruichladdich Islay Barley Rockside Farm 2007 Appearance (no score): Burnished color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 18/20 Very sweet on the nose, vanilla, pineapple, birthday cake, and hay. Palate: 34/40 More vanilla, subtle smoke, oak spice, and some orange citrus. Finish: 31/40 Medium finish. Some black pepper joins the citrus, slowly fades to salt and wood. With Water: A drop of water ups the sweetness on the palate, though it’s difficult to discern exactly what is making that sweetness pop. Total: 83/100 Final thoughts: The ABV is so well balanced, it’s enough to bring out the great flavors without an overpowering alcohol burn. It’s always fun to try the Fèis Ìle releases, and while this is a great dram, I wouldn’t buy the whole bottle again at this price point. Price: £105 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Nose - Classic laddie "lactic funk", sea spray, ripe sweet cheese rind, oddly hot, generic citrus rinds, gentle smoke Taste - Gentle smoke, sea spray, lactic funk, white pepper heat/tingle, seaweed on a bonfire, cold smoked apple slices, pickled lemon zest Finish - Gentle lingering salt, sweet lactic funk, light generic citrus rind, white pepper tingle lingers Score - 79/100 Final Thoughts - This nosed like something that would be ultra lightly peated, slightly less than a Port Charlotte, so this feels like this one was mostly Bruichladdich, but who really knows. This was classic Bruichladdich but for some reason it felt like a bit one dimensional where it feels like there were some older components, but were dragged down by some younger components. It nosed very nice, but felt oddly hot at the same time. It had the classic laddie "lactic funk" sweetness and nice salinity that I typically get, but other than that there wasn't much else. I guess that's probably why I tend to favor sherry or wine finished Bruichladdich as I think they have a great/amazing base spirit, but it really enhances whatever cask it's placed in. This was classic laddie at heart, but just fell a bit flat for me. Would I drink it if offered? - Maybe Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Great dram. Bottle purchased.