Bruichladdich 12 Year Old Douglas Laing Old Particular 2002 Single Refill Cask DL10495 Bottled for Wine Source Group (2014) 70cl

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old Douglas Laing Old Particular 2002 Single Refill Cask DL10495 Bottled for Wine Source Group (2014) 70cl

1 of 324 bottles from a Refill Hogshead made for the Wine Source Group in London.

For many years Bruichladdich was known as the malt which the locals drank, something which surprised many visitors as it was unpeated. The notion that the Ileachs would automatically prefer the big peat bombs from elsewhere on the island was, seemingly, untrue. The lack of smoke wasn’t as a result of this local preference, but dictated by the needs of the blending firms who had always owned the distillery.

Bruichladdich’s character is sweet, honeyed and floral with a lemon-butter note and an unmistakable freshness. Since 2000, however, other variants have been made – medium-peated Port Charlotte and heavily-peated Octomore. While both are defiantly smoky with plenty of rich, bonfire-like aromas, the inherent freshness and acidity of the distillery character is retained.

Experiments have also taken place with different barley varieties (including the archaic Bere) and a long-term project is currently under way, with local farmers once again planting the crop for the first time since the turn of the 20th century. More than 40% of Bruichladdich’s malting barley is now produced on the island.

In addition, an old Lomond still has been recommissioned and produces The Botanist gin, whose botanical mix includes herbs and plants from Islay.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Fresh & fragrant, barley & sugary aroma with a sweet citric profile

Palate: Fruity and spiced running to old fashioned candy & barley grist

Finish: Long, oily whilst remaining fruity with macerated orange (FHL)

48.4% ABV

70cl