As the name suggests, this came from a leaking private Bruichladdich cask whose owner tasked Dramfool to rescue it. They re-racked it into a refill sherry octave to stop the losses. Only 77x20cl bottles were available.
(Image credit: Dramfool)
Whisky: Bruichladdich 15 Year (2008), Dramfool’s Festival Edition “Leaky Laddie”
Country/Region: Scotland/Islay
Cask: Bourbon, Re-racked refill sherry octave
ABV: 58%
What a beautiful, deep golden amber color. That bourbon/sherry combo.
Smooth and a touch smokey on the nose, wafting over juicy red fruit. Old, funky hay and blooming heather. The mouthfeel is fairly robust, medium-heavy, carrying a savory yet juicy-sweet flavor. Again, light smoke with that Bruichladdich barnyard funk. Not unlike an old Port Charlotte, but I think the note is smoke rather than peat.
The finish is satisfying. All of the previous notes in harmony, just melding and evolving and slowly fading away. Funky, toasted and sweet, coastal savoriness, and the remnants of smoke.
Stunningly composed. Magnificent. Nearly peak whisky, and basically everything I love about Bruichladdich. I’m grateful to add this cask’s story to my Bruichladdich “collection” if only in memory. The mouthfeel could be a bit more robust and oily, and I could do with a touch more complexity or standout notes. But I could drink this everyday and die a very happy man.
Rating: 4/5
Mental Image: Longing for Islay.