Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

Sweet, full, oily and rich but just the right amount of richness. A lot of Vanilla and spice.

Floral, sweet, sulfur. Light, easy drinking.

EXPLORATION: (Tasted this just prior to the Octomore 7.1, so you’ll forgive me if my recollection is wanting after bathing in that smoky moonlight.) The nose is a carmel-y sugar, a bit of fruit. Doesn't burn too hard for being 50%. The taste is very nice—a salty sweetness mixed with fruit, maybe apple, but not too green. Very smooth, almost honey-like, with a finish I can't recall...but I know I liked it. EXHORTATION: Seek if in need of a great standby whisky. Easy to drink, approachable, but not lacking complexity.

Apples, pears

Fresh from the bottle and into the glass the nose delivers a candied fruitiness, slowly giving way to wonderful barley and honey. At this point it has masterfully disguised itself as being anywhere but from islay. But let it breathe.. go back and there it is.. briny sea air and the slightest peat that found its way into this unpeated elixer. As expected with a nose this pretty the initial taste starts off sweet with more honey and citrus zest. It evolves rapidly, morphing into a rich, full, malty and cereal forward mouthful. The 100 proof keeps it popping and interesting all the way down. Baking spice and some barrel are evident on the finish, and are gentle but long lasting. You realize as you’re about to grab another sip that you actually don’t need one yet... but of course you take it anyway. I thought I knew what islay was all about, and then something delicate like this comes my way. Since it’s a core expression I’m excited this should be around for quite some time.

Smell: Sweet, fruity. Very aromatic. Slight cinnamon note. Taste: Very fruity. Like a salted chocolate strawberry. Lost the charcoal notes with the water drops. 3 drops water. 3/18/20

Smell: sweet, slightly spicy. Like enjoying a cupcake around a campfire. Cinnamon, carrot cake. Taste: black pepper that fades very quickly. After taste has a burn that comes around well after the pepper notes have faded. Neat. 9/18/20