"In honor of Robert Burns day I would be remiss if I didn’t enjoy a few drams tonight, and what better way then to review 3 offerings from Bruichladdich. I received a 3x200ml gift pack for Xmas with 2008/09/10 barley expressions. Let’s get to it. The nose on this ‘08 bottling is refreshing and bright. Stone fruits and lemon zest and orange peel are the dominate smells here, but dance around my olfactory as if I had just dropped an alka-seltzer in the glass. Quite whimsical indeed. Palate plays far more serious than the nose, slapping me around with gobs of malt and spice reminiscent of a high proof American rye. We are skipping first and second base here clearly. The spice subsides to reveal some more char and salty, briny almost meaty flavors. Finish is medium long, with the oil from the rich mouthfeel hanging on and keeping you warm for far longer then you expect. This is what should be in those St Bernard neck casks in the Alps if it isn’t already. Exploring these 3 barley expressions was a great way to spend Burns’ night. Typically I expect age to mellow out a whisky but with this, the oldest sibling clearly still is the most rough and tumble. A great whisky indeed if you can find it.