BARLEY VARIETAL:The Bruichladdich Eighteen is made using a combination of Scottish Mainland, Islay and Organic barley, with each varietal and harvest fully traceable from farm to bottle
MALTING:Unpeated
DISTILLATION:Distilled in 2004, single vintage expression
AGE:18 Aged Years
MATURATION PROFILE:The single malt has matured exclusively on Islay primarily in ex-bourbon casks. These bourbon casks, together with a smaller number of Sauternes and Port casks, are vatted and married for nine months before bottling to balance Bruichladdich’s signature floral and fruity character.
In classic Australian style, this whisky has absolutely rippled flavour out of its cask. However, while I was expecting spiky youth in the spirit and the abv, it drinks with a maturity and ease that belies these facts. I have since bought two bottles. Absolutely delicious and as good, if not better, than it’s Scotch peers
Nose: A rich herbal aroma intertwined with bonfire smoke, evoking imagery of a seaside campfire. Notes of sea salt, struck matches, and subtle roasted orange peel linger behind the smoky veil.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a distinct oily texture. The high proof delivers a robust entry, blending sweet spices with peat, accented by a faint trace of sulfur.
Finish: Long and warming, with persistent ashy smoke and briny sea breeze. Hints of matchstick and a delicate iodine note round it out.
With Water: The aroma reveals pronounced wet sea salt and brine, with the smokiness softening into a rounder profile. Vanilla and oak emerge prominently. On the palate, the sweetness persists, with the peat becoming less intense, giving way to caramelized oak and fruit notes.
A gentle giant. This old grain whisky doesn’t try to shout, but it has plenty to say if you’re listening. A soft, elegant dram with aged sherry cask influence, balancing fruit, leather, oak, and just a whisper of tobacco. If you’re chasing subtle complexity over brute strength, this hits the mark.