Bruichladdich 2001: The Resurrection Dram

Bruichladdich Masterclass, The Oak Barrel, Sydney, February 19, 2018, Whisky #2 Aroma: Initially reserved, but it blossoms with a little time. Dusky, earthy, and floral, supported by a confident yet gentle peat smoke that intensifies as it sits in the glass. Herbal scents (mint, anise, rosemary) and sea spray, with a subtle iodine medicinal quality. A faint hint of oak. Taste: A beautifully lush and smooth arrival and palate. A slightly salty but primarily malted cereal taste with surprisingly robust peat smoke overlaying everything. A floral-herbal-smoky profile with some spicy undertones (ginger, white pepper). Conclusion: A delightful and quite unexpected character - Bruichladdich unlike anything I've tasted before. The light peating is very skillfully and successfully implemented. The aroma is smokier than most Bruichladdich offerings, almost like a gentle Port Charlotte. The smoke on the palate is more subdued but still distinctly present. Compared to the Classic Laddie, this is earthier and more leathery, and the light peating adds just the right weight to the palate to bring it in line with the aroma. According to the brand ambassador, who was working at the distillery at the time, this was an accidental result of an incorrect peating level being specified to Port Ellen maltings for the initial malt delivery. However, having tasted this, I'm surprised that Jim McEwan chose to stick with a virtually unpeated profile for the new Bruichladdich rather than pursuing this level of smoke. I suppose they already had plans for Port Charlotte as the peated expression and intended to maintain distinct product lines. It's now virtually impossible to find. I was fortunate enough to sample this at a Sydney whisky shop tasting last night. The bottle we tried was from the first distillation run after the distillery resumed production and was provided by an acquaintance of the shop manager. "Excellent": 88/100 (4.5 stars)