Bruichladdich Laddie Valinch 51 (Shaun Evans)

The nose offers sweet coastal lactic funk, salinity, sweet Riesling, golden raisins, apple custard/yogurt, and apple gummies (intensified with water). With water, it becomes more vibrant but remains similar. The taste is slightly drying with a bit of wood, salinity, lactic sweet funk, golden raisins, apple custard, and a charred cinnamon bitterness. After adding water, it's less drying, with sweet custardy apple, white grape gummies, and reduced cinnamon char. The finish is lightly drying, with apple/wood tannins, custard, and salt. Water makes it less tannic/drying/woody, with creamy apple custard and salt. Score - 94/100 Final Thoughts - This was quite enjoyable and significantly better than a previous VDN cask experience. It presents classic character with pleasant sweet white wine notes on the nose, complemented by a delightful creamy apple custard on the palate that works exceptionally well. A surprising aspect is how much lower the proof drinks; despite its stated 61.7%, it feels more like the low to mid 50s, with only slight warmth on the nose and palate. A touch of water truly enhances the nose and softens the tannic notes on the palate and finish. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.