Bruichladdich DNA_3: 1985

Nose: No ethanol burn, sweet dark dried stone fruits, orange custard, faint brine, hint of sweet nutty marzipan, hint of dark cocoa and freshly oiled leather. Taste: Sweet black peppery spice, dark raisins, plums, and berries stewed in a sweet red wine, lightly drying, sweet tobacco, leather, white pepper heat, dark chocolate bitterness, very faint wisp of smoke. Finish: Long lingering spicy fruity sweet, light fruity bitterness like that of grape seeds or apple peels, dark stone fruit sweets turns into golden raisin sweet, light smoky sea salt. Score: 93/100 Final Thoughts: This is a truly remarkable dram on all fronts. Amazing nose, fantastic on the palate, and no off-putting flavors on the long, long finish. This is what happens when a whisky has had 25 years to patiently age in a barrel and marry together beautifully. I have a feeling there's at least a portion of some peated malt in this one but it has been tamed beautifully by 25 years in oak. It's very subtle and adds a nice hidden dimension to the dram that plays a supporting role and doesn't distract from the overall experience. Very well balanced and something I will be enjoying to the last drop of the bottle.

The nose offers intense, sweet barley toffee. It's robust, aged, and woody. The palate is rich and intense, with significant proof and wood notes alongside spice and a hint of sweetness. The finish brings out more sweetness, reminiscent of peach or apricot. The finish is exceptionally long and displays excellent balance and richness.