Matured exclusively on Islay, primarily in ex-Bourbon casks and a small number of wine casks, The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the epitome of Bruichladdich's signature unpeated house style. Full bodied and beautifully fragrant, notes of honey, butterscotch, and citrus orange open on the nose, with a medley of tropical fruits and toasted mellow oak lingering on the palate.
SPECIFICATIONS
BARLEY VERIATAL: The Bruichladdich Eighteen is made using a combination of Scottish Mainland, Islay and Organic barley, with each varietal and harvest fully traceable from farm to bottle
MALTING: Unpeated
DISTILLATION: Distilled in 2004, single vintage expression
MATURATION PROFILE: The single malt has matured exclusively on Islay primarily in ex-bourbon casks. These bourbon casks, together with a smaller number of Sauternes and Port casks, are vatted and married for nine months before bottling to balance Bruichladdich’s signature floral and fruity character.
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR: Apricot.
NOSE: Beautifully fragrant with ripe peach and honeysuckle, hints of violet and lavender come through on the nose – balanced with vanilla and creamed coconut from the toasted American oak. A medley of tropical fruit comes to the fore, with melon, peaches, apricots, and vibrant citrus, while the influence of the oak brings honey, caramel vanilla custard and rich crème brûlée.
PALATE: Luxurious and viscous, honey, butterscotch and fresh fruits coat the palate, followed by cereal notes of sweet, syrup soaked porridge, barley sugar and toasted oak. Vibrant tropical fruit and the subtle presence of toasted oak with a hint of leather follow, with honeycomb adding to the smooth, sweet character.
FINISH: The quintessential character of Bruichladdich single malt comes through on the finish. The 18 Year Old has the classic minerality for which Bruichladdich is renowned, perfectly balanced with oak, stoned fruit and a delicate floral bouquet.