Bruichladdich 1986 Blacker Still
Review by Bruichladdich
- Colour
Dusky, vintage sweet sherry.
- Nose
The first wave of aromatics is one of mixed fruits, sweet sultanas, prune, ripe plums and raisins all sprinkled with Demerara sugar. This is followed by the classic tropical fruit notes which are the Bruichladdich house style. They intermingle superbly, supported by nutmeg and toasted walnuts, then a dash of brine floats by. The ambrosial aromas are simultaneously strong and elegant; they rise slowly like the incoming tide to reveal the sweetness of the unpeated malt – biscuity and crisp - leaning towards vanilla with a twist of mellow oak and almond. Its olfactory overdrive, do NOT add a single drop of water!
- Palate
The palate presence is one of concentrated understated power and finesse that allows the flavours to emerge slowly. The Sherry/Port notes concede to the purity of the malt and seem happy to support rather than dominate bringing harmony to the glass. On the back palate a nutty sherry/toffee flavour brings closure and contentment.
- Finish
A satiny aftertaste that seemingly goes on forever, culminating on the mellowness of the oak.
- Conclusion
Viscous, warm, rich and responsive. A spiritual pleasure in its prime with the congenial heart warming unique marriage of Islay, Portugal and Spain.
- Note
-
The inaugural bottling of what was to become a landmark series. Distilled in 1986 and bottled in 2006, an iconic dram that has spent it’s 20 year life in our Atlantic-influenced warehouses in fabulous Oloroso sherry casks – one of the truly great sherry drams.
These great casks – the end of an era – gave up less than 3,000 bottles. epic.
