Get ready to indulge in the exquisite taste of Bruichladdich's new 30-Year-Old Scotch, made from Victorian casks that were almost lost to history. Bruichladdich, founded in 1881, has faced numerous challenges since then, with four separate periods of closure. However, in the last 24 years, the Islay whisky maker has flourished, gaining recognition for its exceptional Scotch whiskies, especially the Octomore collection. While their heavily peated whiskies have captured the spotlight, their unpeated house style, The Classic Laddie, often goes unnoticed. This style takes center stage in their newly unveiled Luxury Redefined range, featuring two exceptional whiskies. The Bruichladdich Eighteen, aged in ex-bourbon and wine casks, pays homage to the distillery's commitment to terroir and sustainability. On the other hand, The Bruichladdich Thirty showcases the distillery's resurrection and the talent of its Victorian distillers. Both whiskies promise an unforgettable experience, encapsulating the essence of Bruichladdich's rich history and dedication to craft.
Bruichladdich’s History
Bruichladdich, a renowned Islay whisky maker, has had a volatile history since its founding in 1881. Throughout the years, the distillery has been mothballed on four separate occasions, with the most recent mothballing taking place from 1994 to 2000. However, in the last 24 years, Bruichladdich has experienced a remarkable revival, particularly with their heavily peated Scotch whiskies, including the Octomore collection, which has garnered global recognition and numerous awards.
Introduction to Luxury Redefined Range
At the core of Bruichladdich's newly unveiled Luxury Redefined range is their unpeated house style called The Classic Laddie. This whisky serves as the heart and soul of the range, embodying the brand's commitment to excellence and craftsmanship. In addition to The Classic Laddie, the Luxury Redefined range features two exceptional whiskies: The Bruichladdich Eighteen and The Bruichladdich Thirty. These whiskies not only showcase the brand's commitment to quality but also celebrate important moments in the distillery's history.
The Bruichladdich Eighteen
The Bruichladdich Eighteen pays homage to what has made the distillery unique over the past 25 years. It showcases the brand's focus on terroir by using locally grown barley and supporting the surrounding community. What started as a project with one farmer in 2004 has now expanded to 20 farming partners, who contribute to over 50 percent of the barley used for production today. This commitment to local ingredients and provenance is a key aspect of The Bruichladdich Eighteen.
The whisky is primarily matured in ex-bourbon casks, along with a few sauternes wine and port casks. This aging process imparts distinctive flavors and aromas to the whisky. On the nose, The Bruichladdich Eighteen offers notes of honey, butterscotch, and citrus orange. The palate delivers a delightful combination of tropical fruits and toasted mellow oak, while the finish is characterized by stone fruits, a delicate floral bouquet, and hints of oak.
The Bruichladdich Thirty
The Bruichladdich Thirty tells a story of resurrection. When the distillery closed its doors in 1994, only two staff members remained to protect the remaining casks of whisky. Fortunately, the Scotch survived, and the distillery was reopened in 2001. The Bruichladdich Thirty captures the essence of this pivotal moment in the distillery's history.
Exclusively matured in ex-bourbon casks, The Bruichladdich Thirty offers a unique tasting experience. Its aromas of toasted oak, honey, and soft vanilla invite you to indulge in its exceptional flavors. On the palate, you will discover delicate notes of dark chocolate and fresh sea air, along with light fruits, honey, and a touch of leather. The finish is an exquisite harmony of vibrant sea salt, warm oak, soft vanilla, and coconut.
The Sustainability Factor
With the release of the Luxury Redefined series, Bruichladdich demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. The packaging for these whiskies is made from fully recyclable paper pulp, completely eliminating the use of plastic. Additionally, the brand's proprietary, lightweight glass bottle contains an average of 60 percent recycled glass. This mindful approach to packaging ensures that each release aligns with the brand's values and environmental responsibility.
Connection With Local Community
Bruichladdich's commitment to the local community is evident in their collaboration with local farmers for barley production. What began as a partnership with one farmer has grown to include 20 farming partners, highlighting the brand's dedication to supporting local agriculture. Over 50 percent of the barley used for production is now sourced locally, further strengthening the bond between the distillery and its community.
The Casks Used
When it comes to maturation, The Bruichladdich Eighteen benefits from aging in a combination of ex-bourbon casks, sauternes wine casks, and port casks. This unique approach adds depth and complexity to the whisky, resulting in a truly exceptional drinking experience. On the other hand, The Bruichladdich Thirty is exclusively matured in ex-bourbon casks, allowing the whisky to develop its distinct characteristics over time.
Tasting notes for The Bruichladdich Eighteen
The Bruichladdich Eighteen offers a sensorial journey with its enticing aromas and flavors. On the nose, you can expect notes of honey, butterscotch, and citrus orange, creating an inviting and warm introduction to the whisky. As you sip, your palate will be delighted by a medley of tropical fruits and toasted mellow oak, offering a perfect balance of flavors. The finish is a harmonious combination of stone fruits, a delicate floral bouquet, and lingering oak notes, leaving a lasting impression.
Tasting notes for The Bruichladdich Thirty
The Bruichladdich Thirty is a whisky with a story to tell. Its aromas of toasted oak, honey, and soft vanilla set the stage for a remarkable tasting experience. Upon tasting, delicate flavors of dark chocolate and fresh sea air emerge, creating a nuanced and multifaceted journey for your palate. As you reach the finish, you'll encounter vibrant sea salt balanced with warm oak, soft vanilla, and subtle notes of coconut, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and awe.
Where to Purchase
Both The Bruichladdich Eighteen and The Bruichladdich Thirty are available for purchase in select retailers and online stores. The whiskies can be found at various price points, allowing whisky enthusiasts to choose the option that best suits their preferences and budget. Whether you prefer to explore the terroir-driven flavors of The Bruichladdich Eighteen or savor the rich history captured in The Bruichladdich Thirty, these whiskies are sure to impress and provide an exceptional drinking experience.
Source: https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/bruichladdich-luxury-redefined
