This Bruichladdich was tasted as part of Dramfool‘s Brain Tumor Research Charity Tasting. Chatting with others in the tasting, it was clear that many present had been impacted by the effects of Brain Tumors/Cancer. It was a wonderful experience to share these drams with loved ones in mind while supporting future research. Thanks to those who donated the bottles in this tasting, and to Dramfool for yet another exceptional tasting experience (with purpose).
And on to the dram…
Whisky: Bruichladdich 10 Year (2010), Private Bottling “Gille-Brìghde”
Country/Region: Scotland/Islay
ABV: 53.5%
Cask: Bourbon
Age: 10 Years (Distilled 2010, Bottled 2020)
Nose: Herby. Fennel. Lactic. Sweet, but astringent. Malt. Waft of peat?
Palate: Rich and concentrated. Sweet and salty. Pepper. Cream. Citrus. Lemon sherbert. White chocolate. Oily.
Finish: Creamy. Oily. Lingering. Lemon and honey.
Score: 8
Mental Image: Jim McEwan’s sherbert shop.
Narrative: The flavor on this one just builds and builds. More mouth-coating with each sip. It starts out narrow, a bit underwhelming. It builds through the dram, and by the end it is a rich, mouth-watering experience. The finish becomes downright juicy, bursting with creamy lemon and honey notes.
I noted a bit of peat on the nose, and I’d go as far as to say the palate loosely resembled an Octomore. Granted there was just the faintest waft of peat, and it was far more of the traditional Bruichladdich creamy, lactic lemon profile, but it felt like some Octomore creeped into this.
Beautiful example of a Bruichladdich. I’d love to drink through a bottle of this over time, seeing what story evolved.