Bruichladdich 2011 Islay Barley This whisky is an opus to younger malt and cask selection. Just vibrant and bracing. Puts me in the mind of standing on a mountain trail at the end of winter/first of spring. The sun feels glorious and warm but the breeze is still brisk and bracing. The first buds are busting on the maple trees and life is returning to the dormant earth. The sky is clear and you can see for days. Such is this whisky. Nose: vibrant, fresh, fruit and grain forward. zesty young malt, stone fruits, melon, papaya, tropical fruit medley, chalky mineral, citrus (five-alive), candied lemon, vanilla custard, apples with orange zest, there is a touch of brine mingled throughout. Palate: this just hits all the right spots. It starts immediately syrup sweet and transitions to a citrus sour before the briny notes take over with a nice explosion of oak spice. Honeyed malt, lemon candy, salted melon, white grapefruit, canned peaches, dried apricots, ginger and cracked pepper. Finish: seasalt, creamy vanilla, ginger and peach...finishes like a pinot grigio with bracing minerality and stone fruit. Sweet tobacco leaf. It all lingers for a while and you’re better for it.