The Dram Club - July 2021
We once again return to the Independent Bottler Alexander Murray & Co. for a unique spin on the well-known Bruichladdich single malt. Enjoy this 2005 12 yr Bruichladdich bottled at cask strength.
Alexander Murray & Co.
BRUICHLADDICH 12 YEAR CASK STRENGTH
2005 (distilled)
Distillery: Bruichladdich
Blender/Bottler: Alexander Murray & Co.
Region: Loch Indaal, Islay, Scotland
Mash Bill: 100% SCOTTISH barley
Distilling: copper still
Aging: twelve years in ex-bourbon casks
Distilled: 2005
Bottled: 2017
Nose: lemon curd, caramel sugar, candied fruits
w/ water: more tropical fruits, grains, and floral notes
Palate: cereal grains, rich, textured, warm
Finish: cool fruits, warm honey-butter, pleasant for its full proof
Recommended serving: serve with splash of water or on a small cube
ABOUT bruichladdich distillery
Bruichladdich distillery was founded in 1881 by the Harvey Brothers. In its prime, it was a local leader in embracing new technologies. However, by 1995 it was closed down due to excess. In 2001, a group of devote Islay landowners partnered with a wine merchant to purchase Laddich and restored it to greatness. Historically, Bruichladdich’s style was known for being unpeated and was a favorite of all the locals. Today, you may be aware of some of their various products like Port Charlotte and Octomore, which push the boundaries for amount of peat. Though, the current owner, Remy Cointreau, has pushed forward an excellent project focusing on the terroir and varieties of Scottish barley, and there are several unique expressions on the market.
Why we are excited about this whisky:
This whisky delivers more similarly to the Classic Laddich with rich cereal grains and deep fruits on the nose. Though most Scotch lovers associate rich peat with Islay, this great expression embraces the character of Atlantic influence over intense peat. A wisp of ocean salinity greatly enhances the pure, clean grain profile in the glass. Bottled at cask strength, there is noticeable richness and warmth on the palate, however, it is quite cool for its 56% abv. With a splash of water, that heat melts into caramel, honey, and butter gently coating grains and bruleed peach.