Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2022, this 16-year-old Bruichladdich was matured in a refill bourbon hogshead. The cask supports rather than dominates this unpeated Islay spirit, allowing orchard fruit, citrus and tropical notes to sit beside polished wood and earthy spice. This release offers a straightforward view of well-matured Bruichladdich and the gradual influence of refill American oak.
Tasting notes
Citrus
Earthy
Nose
Brimming with golden syrup, apples, dried pears and freshly polished wood on the nose.
Palate
Zesty oranges, mango, raisins and sultanas and earthy spices.
Finish
Citrus sweetness and a spicy clove finish.
The distillery
Bruichladdich
Established in 1881 by the Harvey brothers, Bruichladdich Distillery sits on the western shore of Loch Indaal on the Isle of Islay. Following its reopening in 2001, the distillery placed renewed emphasis on flavour, transparency and the influence of raw materials while continuing to distil using much of its Victorian-era equipment.
Bruichladdich works closely with Islay's farming community and explores how barley origin, variety and growing conditions contribute to the character of its spirit. The distillery produces three contrasting whisky styles, from its unpeated Bruichladdich to the heavily peated Port Charlotte and the bold super heavily peated Octomore.
The distillery's tall, narrow-necked stills help produce an elegant and characterful spirit. We enjoy working with Bruichladdich spirit as its fruit-forward style provides an excellent foundation for maturation, in a wide variety of casks. With longer ageing, the spirit can develop additional layers of fruit, vanilla and oak while retaining a coastal influence.
Located in the Inner Hebrides, Islay is one of Scotland's five recognised whisky producing regions and is renowned for its long association with whisky production. Despite its modest size, the island has earned a global reputation for its whiskies, with distilleries playing an important role in the local community and economy.
Peat smoke is a defining feature of many Islay whiskies, contributing to bold and characterful spirits that have become synonymous with the region. While heavily peated styles are closely associated with Islay, the island's distilleries produce a diverse range of whiskies that reflect their individual approaches to production.
This distinctive character makes Islay an enduring favourite among whisky enthusiasts. We look for whiskies that express the individuality of their distillery, and Islay spirits often retain that identity even after extended maturation or finishing. The interaction between peat, spirit character and cask influence can produce whiskies of unique character and complexity.
Customer reviews
Full specification
Category
Single malt Scotch whisky
Distillery
Bruichladdich
Region
Islay
Country
Scotland
Age
16 years
Distilled
2006
Bottled
2022
Strength
58.6% ABV
Bottle size
70 cl
Original outturn
257 bottles
Cask number
1373
Cask
Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead
More to explore
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