Review #019 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 52.1% Comments: NAS, ex-sherry, ex-bourbon, and ex-wine casks Tasted after: Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal 01.2 (Fèis Ìle 2022) Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 18/20 Smokey but not overpoweringly so. Oddly blueberries stand out the most, also ripe bananas, vanilla ice cream, and oat cereal. Palate: 39/40 Wow, this is one of those special ones, when you take your first sip it just has so much going on, you just need to sit back and let yourself be consumed by it. Orange zest, crispy bacon, a little alcohol burn, dark chocolate, sea salt caramels, cloves, and ashes. I’m sure there’s more flavors here, it’s so delicious, but these are just the ones I can wrap my taste buds around. Finish: 40/40 Nice long finish. The peat smoke softens and becomes more subtle, accompanied by big red wine flavor and black pepper. Enter a little lemon citrus, then a momentary sweetness (peaches maybe?) before turning salty and ending with your mouth tasting like a campfire. With Water: A drop of water adds a brighter and fruitier flavor up front on the palate, also a hint of mint. Total: 97/100 Final thoughts: I’m lost for words on this one, it’s just remarkable. They did a tremendous job combining some of my favorite expressions (Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore) in some terrific maturations and finishes, and it’s a true work of art. Price: £275 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.