Whisky: Bruichladdich 26 Year (1991), Hunter Laing Old and Rare for K&L

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 53.2%

Cask: Refill Hogshead

Age: 26 Years (Distilled June 1991, Bottled May 2018)

Nose: Tropical and fruity with waxy candles and a kiss of peppery spice; acidic pineapple, grassy pandan, and a touch of dried coconut merged with wispy smoke off burning aromatic woods and resins; an initial waxiness faded as more peppery and resinous notes developed.

Palate: Medium-bodied, bright and bursting with citrusy fruits and resins; tea resin with pineapple and coconut jam, ginger and pepper drifted toward something more savory with cured egg yolks and a kiss of salty shoyu; grassier toward the end.

Finish: Long and mellow with peppery wood, citrus, and dried grass.

Score: 8 (87)

Mental Image: Street Hawker’s Secret Tea Shake Recipe

Narrative & Notes: I initially tried this blind as part of an online whisky group mystery advent calendar.  A few samples got a bit delayed beyond the 2023 holiday season and became more like a Summer mystery series. The aroma was loaded with delightfully tropical vibes and an underlying waxiness that gradually turned toward resins and pepper.  The palate mirrored the well-structured flavors with a bigger burst of citrus and more tea resin linking the various levels of the flavor.  The finish was quite long, with grassy sugars, citrus, and a peppery twang.

The aroma immediately had me thinking Clynelish, but I thought perhaps an older Linkwood or Glenlossie were more likely knowing the crew that put together.  However, that considering that this was one of the final entries of the blind series, this could even be something absolutely wild and unexpected.

It turns out this was a 26-year-old Bruichladdich from Hunter Laing! Though I have reviewed more than my fair share of Bruichladdich, these early 90s vintages are still a mystery to me. Prior to this year, I had only a passing experience with them, but now it is pretty obvious they tickle my fancy, especially after the others I posted this week.