Review 198
1/11/13
Bruichladdich
The Laddie 10 Year: 46% abv
Background: This is
a pretty exciting occasion for KCM. This will be our first Bruichladdich
review, which is exciting for a reason. Bruichladdich, around since 1881, is an
Islay distillery that chose not to take the path of Laphroaig or Ardbeg, and is
classically non-traditional in their style. Bruichladdich is truly a craft
distillery, producing a large number of variants of whiskies, with a limited
number of mainstays. Most Bruichladdich’s are unique bottlings that last a
short amount of time. This however, is a newer release in an effort to solidify
Bruichladdich’s core range of offerings. With a unique, blue pastel color
adorning the bottle and canister, this one is hard to miss. Along with that, it
is bottled at 46%, is natural color, and un-chill filtered. You’ll find that
most Bruichladdich’s are found in this form. This is also aged in Bourbon oak
casks, and is NOT peated. That would be considered unusual for a lot of Islay
distilleries. So let us find out what this bad boy is like!
Straight
Nose: The
nose is strong and vibrant, displaying notes of oak, molasses, vanilla and
caramel. The oak is fresh and intense, and coupled with a young, bold
maltiness, makes this malt very compelling on the nose. In addition to the oak,
a bit of cedar is also noticeable. There is an expected saltiness that really
floods the aroma as the whisky starts to open up, and in addition is a very
earthy, vegetal smell. There is a red apple note that complements some of the
sweet notes in the whisky, with a slight instance of kiwi and green grapes.
Despite the explicit mention of not peat in this malt, there is definitely a
smoky, earthy peat-like aroma that emanates from this whisky. A little bit of
cinnamon flavor in the nose adds to the spiciness. There is a little bit of honey
that also becomes prevalent.
Arrival: There
is sweetness and maltiness in the arrival, with a slight zest of peat and
spiciness. This is a very balanced whisky, bringing out a wide range of
flavors. There is a little bit of sugarcane, candy sweetness, and rum-like
flavor leading into the body. Vanilla is also prevalent here.
Body: The
body contains a good blend of maltiness, spiciness and peat flavor. There is
some distinctive seaweed and pepper that can be tasted in the body. There is
rum-like sweetness and honey in the
body.
Finish: The
finish has some sweetness, maltiness, and oak to it. There is a fantastic blend
of molasses, caramel, malt and vanilla that contributes to the complexity in
the finish. Along with this, prepare to find some yeasty, wheat-like flavor as
well. There is a raw, peaty flavor in the finish. The finish does contain a
little bit of apple to it. There is a lot of saltiness that also contributes to
a beautiful sense of balance. There is a very vegetal flavor that comes into
the finish.
With Water
Nose: There
is a lot more maltiness, vanilla, and creaminess to it. This is starting to
smell like a sugar cookie, in all honesty. There is more of an alcohol-like
smell, with clove spice coming through that was not as obvious as before.
Arrival: The
arrival is more sweet after adding water. The oak intensity has subsided, with
a slightly pine-wood bitterness.
Body: There
is more peat smoke in the body than there was before. There is a balanced blend
of spicy complexity in the body, although the body is still a little shallow.
Finish: There
is more spiciness in the finish, akin to allspice. There is also a bit more
mintiness in the finish as well. There is also a tart, different cranberry
flavor in the finish now.
Final Comments: For a
first flagship ten year old, this whisky kicks ass! One of the most interesting
aspects of this whisky is seeing how a non-peated whisky can be influenced by
peat in the environment and peat exposure to the water. So distinctively can
you find the salty, peaty atmosphere in this whisky, it is hard not to imagine
yourself on the shores of Islay. This whisky is the definition of balance,
complexity, and overall uniqueness. And if you don’t like the salty, intense
complexity of this whisky, just add a little bit of water and let it sweeten
up. This might not be a beginner’s whisky, but if you like a more vegetal,
earthy, coastal whisky, this should be a staple in your cabinet.
Why you’d buy it: You
just should.
Why you wouldn’t: Probably
something to do with communism I imagine.
Score: 9.5/10
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