Third release of the of rare Bruichladdich series. Master distiller Jim McEwan has married together the very last mid-eighties sherry butts in the Bruichladdich warehouses.

Limited release of 1,665 numbered bottles.

Nose: Multiple sensory impressions: opening with the classic Oloroso overtones of sultanas, dates, raisins, sweet barley sugar, and a hint of tangerine zest. A little later, beautiful drifts of rich vanilla and nutty nougat. Its aromatic updrafts rise on the senses, drifting higher and higher until you find the Bruichladdich DNA which had almost been lost forever. The fruitiness of soft, succulent guava, melon and pear all add to the anticipation of tasting a rare whisky. The oak mellowness gives an irresistible Spanish passion, a remarkable bouquet ending on sea breezes and wild flowers - aromas that whiskies matured on Scotland’s west coast can have.

Palate: It’s magical on the palate; the flavours lie deep in the spirit, cocooned in the shelter of the oak for over 30 years. They spread gently over the taste buds with peat fire warmth, and then without hesitation, the sherry takes the lead. The taste buds rejoice as the fusion of flavours meld into a Gaelic overture that takes us back to the golden years of distillation when a distillery was like an orchestra and all had a part to play. So enjoy the company of this rare and handsome Laddie - the last two sherry butts of 1985.

Finish: A lingering finish, so gentle and soft, as though it does not want to leave. Like it was saying “don’t forget me” and that we must listen and try our hardest to distil such beautiful spirits. It’s a great dram like this which gives us heart when times are tough; because we tasted it, and we know the best is still to come.

Bruichladdich

Bruichladdich Distillery was established in 1881 on the Rhinns peninsular on the island of Islay close by the sandy bays of Loch Indaal. Re-opened in 2001 with much of the original Victorian equipment restored to working order. The first release of Bruichladdich’s new whisky was the highly acclaimed PC5, the first release in the limited Port Charlotte range. Also producing very highly peated Octamore, Organic using Islay grown barley, and triple and quadruple distilled single malts. The Bruichladdich distillery visitor centre offers distillery tours including the bottling hall and the distillery participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Whisky Festival.