Bruichladdich Laddie Origins Fèis Ìle 2021

Based on a small taste, it's tough to say for sure about this intricate bottling, but my feeling that it wouldn't be as good as the sum of its parts seems more likely now. To recap: for its virtual Feis Ile day on May 30, Bruichladdich offered samples of some of the barrels that went into this 20th anniversary release, and I was lucky enough to get some. These samples came from six of the seven bourbon casks used in the blend, and each showed off the Laddie spirit wonderfully. It would be a pity if they were overshadowed by the wine casks that make up the other half of the formula. The bourbon casks contained whisky from its oldest organic barley (made in 2003), Islay barley (2004), and Bere barley (2009), plus spirit from its first biodynamic crop (made in 2011), a regional barley (2013), and its first triple distillation (2005). Each sample had bright flavors, felt smooth in the mouth, and was easy to drink straight, even with alcohol levels up to 69.3% for the triple distillation. The head distiller's careful choices were evident in the lack of alcohol smell on the nose of the samples. I only had small sips during the online class and didn't write anything down, but the strong butterscotch aroma from the Black Isle regional barley experiment was an immediate standout. I skipped the chance to buy this bottle because it cost 150 pounds, but I got to try a sample this past weekend at a charity event. The aroma has that classic Bruichladdich milky scent, plus a hint of spice and subtle berries. My small pour wasn't enough to fully explore the flavors in the mouth, but it hits hard at first and then unfolds into tastes of malt and a mild sweetness. The finish changes in interesting ways, with some curious earthy notes. I'd like to try more, but not enough to use up what's left of my barrel samples.

Nose - Lactose sweetness, saline, caramel, apples, candied ginger, fresh ginger, white chocolate sweetness (with water) Bright, but otherwise the same Taste - A bit hot initially, fresh ginger tingle, crushed cereal/toasted barley, distinct cereal + Captain Crunch cereal, apple leather, salt, black peppercorns (with water) Less heat, milk candy, candied ginger, crushed cereal (more like Total, less like Captain), apple leather, salt Finish - Lingering tingle/heat, dark apple juice, dark brewed tea, almost over-steeped (with water) Same Score - 84/100 Final Thoughts - It's been a while since I've tasted the Classic Laddie, but the 6.3% ABV increase over it makes a significant difference. This felt considerably hotter and younger than my recollection of the Classic Laddie, though that might be due to my own bias. This bottling seemed to have a higher proportion of bourbon barrel influence, as I detected a substantial amount of caramel alongside the characteristic lactose sweetness I often notice in Bruichladdich expressions. It's somewhat challenging to describe precisely, but it almost smells like sweet steamed milk used for a latte. Regardless, it possessed all the classic Bruichladdich elements of salinity and lactose that make it interesting, especially at a slightly elevated proof. The presence of pleasant fruity notes keeps things engaging, but honestly, it just comes across as a higher-proof Classic Laddie. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I purchase a bottle? - No NOTE - All evaluations are conducted without considering the price.

A great example showcasing Bruichladdich's diverse distillery character. Nose: Vanilla, Honey, Lemon Cheesecake, Guava, Figs, Pineapples, Creme Brûlée, Almonds, Lavender, Strawberries, Milk Chocolate, Oranges, Apricots Palate: Vanilla, Peaches, Honey, Salted Caramel, Raisins, Brown Sugar, Marzipan, Walnuts, Sultanas, Figs, Apricots Finish: Honey, Milk Chocolate, Peaches, Salted Caramel, Creme Brûlée, Almonds, Jaffa Cakes, Coffee

A complex and sweet aroma. A full and bold body. A delightful and long-lasting aftertaste. It's a worthwhile special release.

An unexpected departure from Islay scotches, lacking peat.