Bruichladdich 1985/32 Bourbon: Hidden Glory

The aroma begins with notes of apricot jam, coconut cream, dried figs, and old leather-bound books, followed by honeysuckle, cocoa-dusted prunes, cigar wrappers, and a seaside mineral quality. This then transitions to caramelized apples, mango puree, and grilled pineapple, leading into candied ginger, cloves, and the scent of antique polished furniture, with a moderate alcohol burn. The taste has a medium body, starting with mango smoothie, toasted coconut, figgy pudding, and dusty leather-bound books, preceding a mild bitter spice that quickly fades. It yields to honeysuckle, cocoa-dusted blackberries, freshly lit cigar, hay, and a seaside mineral character, followed by caramelized pears, stewed cherries, and grilled pineapple, leading into candied ginger, cloves, and the aroma of antique polished furniture, with a moderate alcohol burn. The finish is medium in length, with notes of sautéed apples, freeze-dried grapes, vanilla creme brûlée, hay, honeysuckle, sweet pipe tobacco, a light ocean brine, and the scent of antique polished furniture. For a whisky aged for 32 years, this is a surprisingly fruity and floral spirit where the aged oak weaves in and out of the creamy fruit notes, reminding you of its age without ever overpowering the palate. It also features mild spices, a light ocean minerality, and dark berries, resulting in exceptional balance, though the flavors are less intense than I'd prefer and could benefit from a longer finish.

Appearance: Rosy blush. Aroma: Plum skins, dried figs, a hint of sherry rancio, dark cherries, wildflower honey, with a very inviting acidity. Taste: An explosion of honeysuckle balanced by apricot puree, stone fruit juice, honeycomb, and well-integrated saddle leather, with a fantastic transition from sweet fruit to acids to balanced dry notes of subtle leather and beeswax. Finish: Sweet, grape-like, medium duration, clean, no burn, a faint impression of wet stone, reminiscent of Riesling, alpine spring water minerals, absolutely delightful. Mouthfeel: This spirit is exceptional at a low proof, never feeling unbalanced or lacking any essential quality. The acidity is superbly blended with the inherent fruitiness of the malt, fruit esters, and overall sweetness. It's disheartening to know only a limited number of bottles exist.

Exceptional. Feels thick on the tongue with hints of honey, chocolate, plums, walnuts, melons, brown sugar, and berries. It's my second most-liked Bruichladdich rare cask, just behind the 1986/30. Nose: Honey, caramel, salty sea air, sour cherries, papayas, cranberries, raspberries, blood oranges, milk chocolate, cantaloupe. Palate: Honey, milk chocolate, blackcurrants, raisins, peach jam, plums, dates, figs, pineapples, walnuts, brown sugar, caramel, molasses, cloves. Finish: Raisins, walnuts, toasted vanilla, prunes, cloves, nutmeg, licorice, melons, caramel, maple syrup, unique honey, cream cheese, dark chocolate, fruitcake.

Aroma: Berry compote, vanilla, demerara, spice. Taste: Vanilla cream, bourbon, oats, stewed berries, honey, and light peat. Finish: Long, smooth, and sweet. Adding water enhances the berry notes and sweetness.

The aroma carries whispers of wine. It's sweet, with a touch of coconut. A burst of fruit hits the palate. It's like consuming fruit dipped in honey. Given its third or fourth cask aging, the spirit's character is more prominent than the wood's influence.

I appreciate the bourbon characteristics present in this.