Bruichladdich Rocks Scotch – Review

Bruichladdich Rocks Un-Peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

92 Proof

Price Point: $45 – $55 for 750 ML

Distiller: Bruichladdich Distillery

Background

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Bruichladdich (pronounced brook-lad-dee), but it’s not a Scotch I had previously tried.  On a recent trip to the liquor store, my wife and I were drawn to the unique cylindrical package with the teal blue background and large white font.  The other thing that got our attention was the descriptor of “un-peated Islay single malt”.  Kind of an oxymoron, so we thought it would be worth the try.

Review

The nose on Bruichladdich Rocks is far from the typical Islay whisky.  Upon my first waft, I noted that there was a distinct sweet smell of bread.  After reading the pamphlet inside, the distillers pinpoint it to banana bread, which is spot on!  There’s a slight vegetable smell (in a good way) with a hint of mint.

Rocks tastes a little young; there is definitely more complexity in the nose than in the taste.  It’s slightly fruity, but still has more banana bread than anything else.

The finish is a bit rougher than the nose and taste.  More of the finish of a Highland than an Islay.  Very nice.

Rating & Recommendations

I really enjoy Bruichladdich Rocks, therefore it has earned a rating of 87 out of 100.

Despite the name of Rocks, this stuff should be as far away from ice as possible!  Drink it neat or regret it!

Although I typically buy Islay whiskies for their peat and smoke, I really appreciate what Bruichladdich did with Rocks.  If you like drinking out-of-the-ordinary Scotch, give this one a try.  I would buy again, for sure.

-Ryan