Bruichladdich 1990/27 HB '90

This unpeated Bruichladdich was distilled in 1990 and aged for 17 years in ex-Bourbon and Tennessee whisky casks. After the distillery's new owners took over, they were concerned about the poorly managed whisky in their warehouses and decided to try aging some for an additional 10 years in Chateau Haute Brion Bordeaux wine casks, hoping for a positive transformation. Bottled in attractive bottles, they released it as a travel retail exclusive and sent some to Heathrow, where it appeared on shelves last September as I was passing through, priced at the equivalent of $175. I was surprised – a 27-year-old whisky for under $200? The sales associate confirmed the price after checking his computer. I purchased the legal limit of one bottle. Back home, I realized I had paid half the official retail price, leading to a dilemma: should I sell this as an investment to cover upcoming university expenses for my eldest child? Or seize the rare opportunity to drink an old whisky at a price that wouldn't require selling said child? The bottle remained in my collection for several months until a compromise was reached: I shared the contents at cost with some friends and poured myself a couple of glasses. This Laddie has the color of old engine oil, appearing quite dark. Plum notes on the nose lead to a burst of ripe stone fruit on the palate, along with fizzy cola bottles, delicate black tea, and a touch of tannins. The finish is long, drying, and pleasantly bitter, with an unexpected minty aftertaste. In my opinion, Bruichladdich excels at using wine casks, whether adding a subtle fruity undertone to the PC10, dazzling with the Black Art series, or enhancing peat-forward Octomore releases. The wine influence here is moderate, significantly present but not overpowering the base spirit. With wine flavors dialed down compared to recent, also excellent Bunnahabhain Moine Bordeaux bottlings, it's one of the best-integrated whiskies of its type I've encountered. It's a prince, not a pig, but was priced for the everyday drinker – at least for that one day at Terminal 2.

During my extensive journey by plane to Scotland, I had a layover at Amsterdam's Airport, renowned for its extensive collection of whisky. There, I discovered a vendor offering samples of single malt, including some exclusive selections. I opted for a hard-to-find bottle, one I'd observed at auctions but never intended to purchase: a 27-year-old Bruichladdich HB 90. The label indicates it was aged for 17 years in American Oak barrels previously holding Bourbon and Tennessee whiskies, followed by 10 years in casks from a celebrated Bordeaux Chateau. It spent its entire maturation period on the isle of Islay. Presented at 49.5% ABV, it boasts a beautiful reddish hue. A limited release of only 12,000 bottles from the "Rare Cask Series" were produced. The aroma is quite intriguing. Notes of glazed pork and fabric softener are present, with a very spicy character. It's oily and piquant, reminiscent of Dr. Pepper cola. Following a few tastes, I detected hints of cotton candy and sweet popcorn. The flavor profile is excellent. I experienced cherry syrup, black pepper, and red fruits. Further sips revealed a significant reduction in sweet syrup and fruitiness. It's remarkably smooth and easy to drink, with notes of toffee. The spice emerges after about three seconds but is quite manageable; the third sip was dominated by sweet popcorn! Truly remarkable! The finish is acidic. I detected notes of prunes and tart fruits, evoking the impression of aged sherry. There's a sour sensation, similar to some bourbons. It's not unpleasant, merely unusual. In summary, this was a captivating dram that evoked a range of sensations with each sip. Despite some exceptionally good notes, it felt somewhat lacking in character. The finish was pleasant but was the least impressive aspect. I rate it 88 out of 100.

Aroma - (without water) Juicy red berries, a hint of tannic fruit dryness, charcoal-filtered apple juice. (with water) Eliminates tannic dryness, light salinity, red berries. Taste - (without water) A rich dark apple juice base, light clean charcoal/coal smoke, salt-smoked cherries, salinity, dry tannic red berries, a hint of dried apple rings. (with water) Any trace of smoke vanishes, more cherries, salinity, red berries, dark apple juice, less tannic. Finish - (without water) Lingering light smoke/charcoal, red berries, dried apple rings, a light medicinal sweetness from goji berries. (with water) Any hint of smoke/charcoal/medicinal character is gone, goji berries, cherries, apple. Score - 90/100 Final Thoughts - This one is quite good, and I'm undecided whether it's better with or without water. Without water, there's an unusual smoky component, as if a few grains of smoked salt were dropped into the bottle, which makes it quite interesting but also adds a somewhat distracting mineral aspect. I'm a big fan of the aroma, but for some reason, the palate doesn't match the intensity of the aroma. The finish is more interesting without water, but it simultaneously has a strangely medicinal/metallic vibe that disappears with a bit of water. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - Not at the current prices NOTE - All reviews are conducted without considering price.

Another excellent old Bruichladdich with abundant berries, honey, raisins, chocolate, and nuts, featuring subtle notes of the classic Bruichladdich funky blue cheese, Brie, and brine. Nose: Raisins, Dark Chocolate, Honey, Strawberries, Blueberries, Plums, Figs, Blood Oranges, Raspberries, Watermelons Palate: Blueberries, Raisins, Honey, Cranberries, Milk Chocolate, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Brie, Salted Caramel, Brine Finish: Honey, Strawberries, Cranberries, Roses, Prunes, Almonds, Coconuts, Blue Cheese, Brine

Caramel, coffee, smoke, vanilla. Exquisite and intricate.