Brand
Bruichladdich
Expression
DNA 3: 1985
Whisky type
Single Malt
Distillery
Bruichladdich Distillery
Origin
Islay, Scotland
Year distilled
1985
ABV.
50.10%
Source
Bruichladdich
In collection

Review by Bruichladdich

Colour

Gorgeous Copper/Golden Highlights.

Nose

Multiple sensory impressions: opening with the classic Oloroso overtones of sultanas, dates, raisins, sweet barley sugar, and a hint of tangerine zest. A little later, beautiful drifts of rich vanilla and nutty nougat. Its aromatic updrafts rise on the senses, drifting higher and higher until you find the Bruichladdich DNA which had almost been lost forever. The fruitiness of soft, succulent guava, melon and pear all add to the anticipation of tasting a rare whisky. The oak mellowness gives an irresistible Spanish passion, a remarkable bouquet ending on sea breezes and wild flowers - aromas that whiskies matured on Scotland’s west coast can have.

Palate

It’s magical on the palate; the flavours lie deep in the spirit, cocooned in the shelter of the oak for over 30 years. They spread gently over the taste buds with peat fire warmth, and then without hesitation, the sherry takes the lead. The taste buds rejoice as the fusion of flavours meld into a Gaelic overture that takes us back to the golden years of distillation when a distillery was like an orchestra and all had a part to play. So enjoy the company of this rare and handsome Laddie - the last two sherry butts of 1985.

Finish

A lingering finish, so gentle and soft, as though it does not want to leave. Like it was saying “don’t forget me” and that we must listen and try our hardest to distil such beautiful spirits. It’s a great dram like this which gives us heart when times are tough; because we tasted it, and we know the best is still to come.

Conclusion

t’s amazingly smooth, superbly balanced, rich and warming. Absolutely no water should be added at any stage of consumption.

Note

Another ultra-rare Bruichladdich: MCMLXXXV is edition three in the definitive Bruichladdich DNA series – for the lucky few a privileged glimpse into the heart and soul of this great, elegant spirit.

For this rare limited-edition release, master distiller Jim McEwan has married together some of the greatest casks in our warehouses from the mid-eighties. The traditional american-oak bourbon casks, lending classic creamy, vanilla notes, and among the very last of our fantastic sherry butts – the end of an era.

Source: Bruichladdich