Bruichladdich 18YO 700ml

Bruichladdich 18YO is an unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky from the Bruichladdich distillery on the shore of Loch Indaal. It is matured only on Islay for 18 years, mostly in ex-bourbon casks with a small number of wine casks, and bottled at 50% ABV.

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Islay is known for peat, but Bruichladdich’s house style is unpeated, floral and fruity. The distillery was built in 1881, closed for some years and was brought back to life in 2001. The Eighteen is a milestone for that revival: it was distilled from Bruichladdich’s first crop of Islay-grown barley, along with organically grown grain and other varieties from the Scottish mainland. Barley and where it was grown matter a lot to this distillery, and much of its range is traceable back to the farm.

The whisky is not chill filtered, has no added colouring and is reduced to bottling strength with Islay spring water. At 50% it has a full, oily texture that carries the fruit well. Within the Bruichladdich family it sits above The Classic Laddie and The Laddie Fifteen, with more depth from the extra years in oak, while the peated sides of the distillery appear under the Port Charlotte and Octomore names. It suits a single malt drinker who prefers fruit and honey to smoke, or an Islay fan who wants to see a gentler side of the island.

Bruichladdich describes it as:

Nose: Full and fragrant, with honey, butterscotch and orange.

Palate: Tropical fruit and toasted, mellow oak that lingers.

Pour it neat into a nosing glass and give it a minute before tasting, then add a few drops of water to open the fruit. It goes well with scallops or crayfish, a mild hard cheese or a mango or pineapple dessert.