Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

Lots of caramel and vanilla on the nose and flavor. Very smooth, with some peppery flavor and malty cookie.

This beautiful hay-colored whisky managed to surprise me. Not only because of the taste, but also the distilling philosophy of Bruichladdich. It is becoming truly rare for a distillery to communicate so openly about how the whisky is produced. This should be a matter of course, and is one of the reasons why this whisky gets an excellent score. Nose - The cleanliness of the spirit is remarkable. It reminds me of a walk through the woods on a cold autumn day. I smell moss, hay, grass, mint and oak. Many characteristics of a classic Islay whisky, but of which the peat and smoke are tuned down. Palate - Despite the higher ABV, it drinks very smoothly and doesn't overexcite me with different flavors. Finish - Like a fresh sea breeze, the finish is salty and marine. Rather dry, long and intense. Unforgettable. After drinking this whisky, I'm looking forward to exploring more expressions from Bruichladdich. Like always, best enjoyed in good company. "Enjoyable" : 3.75 stars | Well above average.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about an unpeated Islay but I was curious. A friend gifted it to me as thanks for a favor and it was an instant favorite. I’ll have to keep this one around.

Very sweet pallet, reminds me of a bourbon, then the wonderful Isla coastal notes kick in to balance things out and to remind you what you're drinking.

Nice punch at 100 proof, but it has to be because it can't handle any water. Good value, solid dram, but it's lacking in any particularly redeeming qualities. Aberfeldy 12 is a better whisky, even if it doesn't have the same Islay characteristics.