Bruichladdich Scottish Barley Scotch – Review

Bruichladdich Scottish Barley / The Classic Laddie Unpeated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

100 Proof

Price Point: $55 – $65 for 750 ML

Distiller: Bruichladdich Distillery

Background

I spent all of last week at the beach with my wife’s family.  Before heading down, my tradition is to bring a bottle of Scotch and a bottle of rum.  The Scotch usually ends up being something “manageable” (average proof, nothing peaty/smoky so others may partake) like the Glenlivet 12 Year Old or Glenmorangie Lasanta.  However, when I arrived at the liquor store and saw the Tiffany-blue bottle of Bruichladdich Scottish Barley staring me down, I immediately caved.

Review

This whisky begins with sweet, malty goodness on the nose.  It’s not unlike Bruichladdich Rocks, but at a heightened level.  There are floral and fruity (pineapple) notes with yeasty, bread-like qualities.

My first sip of Bruichladdich Scottish Barley reveals a complex and intense (at 50% ABV) whisky.  The malt is huge but not dominating on the palate.  There’s a hint of smoke inferring its Islay origin, but it’s gone quickly.  Not a trace of peat, as the label suggests.  It’s rounded out by creamy vanilla.

This is a pleasant and long-lasting, malty finish; the highlight of the dram.

Rating & Recommendations

Bruichladdich Scottish Barley earns a high rating of 87 out of 100.

This is a very nice whisky with a ton of great character.  The warming qualities of this high-proofer would make this a choice drink for a cold night, although I wouldn’t refuse it in July.

-Ryan