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.