Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

A bright, punchy spirit with an intense floral and bread nose. I’m transported to a grass-clad Austrian mountainside bursting with wildflowers, a la The Sound of Music. A salinity that reminds you this is an Islay, which almost suggests peat, though this is unpeated. Taste is pithy, hits you right up front with a big floral note. Flavors of fresh bread, flowers, wild yeast beer, apples, granola. Finish is a bit spicy and medium in length.

Sweet, floral, caramel, malt, bright finish.

It seems strange to me, but this is my first time having anything from Bruichladdich, I’m pretty excited about it. The first thing I get on the nose is apricot preserves, it smells sweet, jammy, and rich. After sitting in the glass for a couple minutes, other notes emerge. There’s a briny note, and a dry, malt smell. Maybe some cocoa powder. 18/20 First impression, comes in sweet, more floral than fruity. Some citrus zest, and a pleasant warmth (from the 50% ABV no doubt). The taste develops over a long while. 27/30 Following tastes and finish: This is a whisky to savor. It is sweet, but not cloyingly so, and there is a tingling, almost peppery quality present. The floral notes develop nicely, the fruit I find on the nose is subtle in taste. There’s an almost bitter citrus bite, and the proof shows up, but doesn’t overwhelm. I’m really enjoying the finish, the malt is rich and sweet, almost like Ovaltine. The brine is soft, like the salt air along the coast. Strangely, while I keep mentioning how subtle, and not overwhelming this is, it is a very rich and flavorful whisky, just in a balanced way. 22/25 I like the bottle colour, the metal tube is classy, and the story on the tube is interesting, so points for the experience too. While it’s pricy, I think it is worth it. 17/20 I keep five points for completely subjective assignment, I give the Classic Laddie all five, as it actually meets my expectations. Total Score 89/100