Color: Natural light gold and several gradations darker and richer looking than fellow islanders, Lagavulin8 and Ardbeg10. Unexpected, given its short 6-year gestation in ex-bourbon American oak. Nose: maneuvering the 50% ABV, surprised to find a citrusy zestfulness and a hint of honeyed vanilla prior to catching the first wave of a raw, earthy peatiness, which evoked memories of slogging the bogs at Royal St. David's in Wales. Using Islay barley grown on 6 local farms, Bruichladdich is pushing the "terroir" aspect of their Port Charlotte expression by utilizing local sourcing, distilling, and aging. With a phenolic level of 40 ppm, it was interesting to see this translate into a boggy/vegetal style of peatiness with moderate smokiness. Once the palate survives the onslaught of peppered alcohol, the tongue is rewarded with a sweet dose of vanilla saltwater taffy along with a cascade of citrus fruits, and finishing pleasantly with toasted hints of smoked malted barley. A few drams of this unadulterated spirit will have you hugging the nearest tree, while your wife contemplates having the locks changed before you can get back in. :)