Bruichladdich Islay Barley Rockside Farm 2007

Amber liquid with a thin film that clings to the glass. It beads quickly, but the legs form slowly. Green apples, oat cereal, lemon zest, and honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is not overwhelmingly flavorful and has moderate sweetness, with some honey, oak spice, grain cereal, and caramelized sugar. A nice long finish with the right amount of heat, enhancing the vanilla flavor, briefly interrupted by a touch of salt that quickly disappears, leaving behind the taste of buttered bread. A drop of water made the nose a bit fruitier but didn't introduce new aromas; it seemed to significantly weaken the existing palate. Glad I found this bottle collecting dust in a small, out-of-the-way liquor store. It's probably the only bottling from that distillery I'll ever get to experience. 86/100

Aromas of malt and grains, hints of citrus, honeydew, and subtle barley sugar. It carries a fresh, sea-like quality, reminiscent of brisk onshore winds, along with some orchard fruit. Taste: Crisp and grainy upon entry, with barley sugar notes. As it develops, the grain base sweetens, taking on honeyed characteristics. It's not overly intricate and lacks any smokiness, but like the aroma, a pleasant fresh coastal element is present. Ending: Moderate in length. It's fruity with barley sugar reappearing before fading. The lasting impression is of a spirited whisky that is fresh yet confident. It feels very precise and somewhat high-strung when served neat, but a little water enhances the aromas and brings out hidden sweet floral scents and tastes. This exhibits the finest traits of a young spirit without drawing attention to its lack of age. It would be a delightful malt for a sunny spring day with a bit of a chill in the air. "Very Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

This isn't to my personal taste, but the marketing is admirable, and if what they claim is true, the effort put into creating something so "pure" is commendable. For me, it's all about honey, heather, and oak. None of these tasting notes are my preference. It's also a 6-year-old scotch, which is a bold choice, showcasing the distillery's new-make spirit at the time of bottling. This is a young scotch that isn't flashy or empty. As I've progressed through the glass, vanilla and buttery notes in the finish have slightly improved my perception. 5.0 - buy all the stock you can find. 4.0 - must buy at least one bottle before you die. 3.0 - solid, must try at a bar, or get a friend to share. 2.0 - didn't like it, you may. 1.0 - you may have the palate of my dog, and he licks his own ass.

The initial aroma brought me back to my childhood days building model cars with my father, reminiscent of a fresh coat of paint without the chemical harshness. Putting memories aside, it was immediately enjoyable, like the first day of spring. I don't typically favor fruity or sweet spirits, but this one was a pleasant surprise, blending fruity notes with just the right amount of mellowness. It maintains its character without being overwhelming. I enjoyed it with one large ice cube at the Vertical Wine bar in Pasadena, CA. I recommend it.

At first, I was put off by a slightly funky aroma and an oily texture on the palate. However, by the time I was halfway through the bottle, my taste buds had adjusted. It has a slightly medicinal aftertaste, yet remains rich and buttery, like molten gold strained and distilled into the most peculiar Islay I've had the pleasure of tasting. It's not my first choice, but I find myself enjoying it more with each serving.

It's not particularly unique, except for the delightful finish that resembles sucking on a sweet piece of wood. The aroma is salty, with undertones of bacon, citrus, and a floral scent. The texture is full, zesty, lemony, and distinctly malty. This is the third bottling from Bruichladdich I've tried, including the Laddie and Port Charlotte. Unfortunately, none of them have impressed me.