Bruichladdich
For many years Bruichladdich was known as the malt which the locals drank, something which surprised many visitors as it was unpeated. The notion that the Ileachs would automatically prefer the big peat bombs from elsewhere on the island was, seemingly, untrue. The lack of smoke wasn’t as a result of this local preference, but dictated by the needs of the blending firms who had always owned the distillery.
The Laddie Eight
The classic, complex Bruichladdich dram, and our very first “Eight”. Our ‘new make’ spirit sets out on its journey through life full of the crisp, fresh, malty flavours derived from trickle distillation – but it is careful management of American and European oak casks that eventually determines the final character of the whisky. This is perfectly illustrated in the unpeated ‘Laddie Eight’, the latest exclusive for GTR released by head distiller Adam Hannett. Adam’s aim with this vatting is to preserve the elegant, floral notes of the vibrant young spirit while building up the signature salty, citrus tang so characteristic of Bruichladdich. Eight years maturation in our warehouses on the shores of Loch Indaal have perfected a graceful single malt that relates to a very modern craftsmanship.
| Character | An elegant expression of Bruichladdich style. Super fruity and full of Atlantic freshness. |
| Color | Lemon marmalade. |
| Nose | The opening notes are of fresh fruit, typical apple and pear slightly under ripe so characteristic of our spirit. Then pear drops apricot and pineapple in fruit syrup rise in the next wave. Vanilla oak is not far behind rolled in malted barley sugar and with a hint of straw. After a moment of warming the glass in your hand the floral tones of gorse and honeysuckle come through. The longer the whisky has to breathe the more you will find on the nose. |
| Palate | Spice gives way to sweetness as a pepperiness on the lips becomes mango and peach. Layer upon layer of oak from the variation of casks used to create this dram gives vanilla, lemon, honey, toffee and a creamy buttery texture and mouth feel. A second taste will bring hints of fruit, raspberry and strawberry for sure and a touch of citrus and orange marmalade. the complexity is a joy to taste as each style of toasting or charring of the barrels plays its part in bringing a depth of flavour you will be eager to explore. This dram has vitality, depth and mellow-ness all at once as the classic Bruichladdich DNA of soft fruit and floral elegance mix with exotic fruit from such a variety of amazing oak. The quality of our Scottish malted barley is evident as the sweet malt sugar holds all the fruit and oak together in wondrous harmony. |
| Finish | Fresh sea breeze, sweet floral heather honey and citrus bring this dram to a close, but like a typical island good-bye it’s not cheerio straight away, there is still a word or two to be had as the finish extends into the night with a long lasting vanilla note that doesn’t seem to end. |
