Bruichladdich Classic Laddie can be described as a ‘Symphony for Whisky Tasters’.
Whisky tasters, prepare your senses for a journey through the rolling hills of Islay. This is a dram that’s been turning heads and tantalising palates across the globe.
Founded in 1881, Bruichladdich (pronounced “brook-laddie”) has risen from near-obscurity to become one of the most revered distilleries in Scotland over the past decade. This renaissance can be attributed to their unwavering commitment to terroir, transparency, and innovative whisky-making techniques. The distillery’s philosophy of using only Scottish barley and bottling on Islay has captured the imagination of whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Bruichladdich’s portfolio is diverse, featuring three distinct core product lines that cater to various palate preferences:
1. Unpeated expressions (like the Classic Laddie)
2. Heavily peated Port Charlotte range – I can highly recommend the 10 year old.
3. The ultra-heavily peated Octomore series – over priced in my opinion, but delicious.
The Bruichladdich Classic Laddie is probably around 8 years old. The casks are a combination of ex-bourbon and wine casks. And it ticks 3 important boxes for me:
50% ABV: – above the standard 46%
No artificial colouring added
Non-chill filtered: Thus preserving all the whisky’s natural oils and flavours.
**Nose:** Light and inviting, with subtle hints of smoke mingling with fresh orchard fruits. Crisp pears and green apples dominate, underscored by a gentle maritime breeze.
**Palate:** A lemon note leads the charge, quickly followed by creamy vanilla and a pleasant biscuity character. The high ABV provides a robust mouthfeel without overpowering the delicate flavors.
**Finish:** Delightfully long and complex. This is a dram not to be rushed, as layers of flavor unfold slowly on the palate.
Would I buy this again?
This is a bottle that I picked up at duty free for a reasonable price. Islay is noted for its peaty offerings but it has plenty outside that range. The Classic Laddie is a wonderful experience of the latter – for both novice and experienced whisky enthusiasts alike. Definitely time to consider a second purchase.
