9.1 (2)
Brand
Bruichladdich
Age
30 years old
Expression
1988 The Untouchable
Whisky type
Single Malt
Range
Rare Cask Series
Distillery
Bruichladdich Distillery
Origin
Islay, Scotland
Year distilled
1988
Year launched/bottled
2019
Limited edition
6,000 bottles
ABV.
46.20%
Source
Bruichladdich
In collection

Review by Bruichladdich

Colour

A rich orange blossom honey.

Nose

Initially sweet red fruit cherry, strawberry then dried fruit raisin, date and apricot syrup. Candied orange peel and lemon balm. Through the fruit comes chocolate, toasted oak, roasted hazelnuts, and a briny note like salted honey. The boiled sweet notes of strawberry and orange are constant and the toasted oak gives depth to the nose.

Palate

After the luscious notes on the nose this is surprisingly light and elegant on the palate. The soft texture holds a depth of flavour, again dominated by boiled sweet style fruit but the French oak gives structure and balance with its tannins. There is roasted coffee, amaretto, apricot, and toasted malty bread show the presence and depth in the oak.

Finish

Chocolate, amaretto, a hint of spicy clove then rose petal come through as the fruit fades. Last is the wonderful note of toasted oak, gentle yet firm on the palate.

Note

This landmark 1988 vintage has never been re-casked. It has matured over 30 years in our warehouses in the same wood it was originally filled into refill bourbon and, unusually, rare refill squat hogsheads. The subtle influence of these refill oak casks has resulted in a delicate and measured relationship between spirit and wood, quietly cultivated over time. It was always understood that this small parcel of casks required no interference, no guiding hand; just a watchful eye and palate to see it through. It is definitive, old, Bourbon-aged Bruichladdich some of the last of its kind.

Source: Bruichladdich