Whisky: Bruichladdich 8 Year (2010) Bere Barley

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 50%

Cask: American Oak

Age: 8 Years (Distilled 2010, Bottled April 2019)

Nose: Lemon and licorice, cream, cookies, yogurt, praline, hints of plastic and pepper, pine and antiseptic cleaning solutions, wood varnish.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily, lemon and licorice candies, salted plums, mellow brine, surfboard wax and plastic, wood varnish, peppery at times.

Finish: Medium-length with citrus, pepper, and oak.

Score: 5 (74)

Mental Image: Surf Snacks from the Candy Store

Narrative & Notes: Lemon drops and licorice candies with mellow cream and sable cookies.  Yogurt and praline arrived as a hint of freshly opened plastic wrap developed. A bit of peppery spirit, pine scented cleaning product, and wood varnish left this feeling a bit young and unrefined.  Medium-bodied with an oily viscosity and notes of lemon drops, malted milk balls, licorice candies, and lemon peel gummy bears. Salted plums and a mellow coastal brine carried to surfboard wax and wood varnish. Peppery toward the end with dried palm fronds and hints of additional tropical fruits.  The finish was medium-length with citrus, pepper, and oak.

This was quite unusual as I rarely find the aroma significantly weaker than the palate. When there is any difference between them, it is because I find the aroma of a whisky more complex and well-defined.  Usually things match up well, but when they do not it is typically the aroma that feels stronger and the palate a bit of a let down.

This dram was the rare exception— the aroma had classic laddie lactic funk and tons of citrus, but it was also peppery and raw, a touch too youthful to be truly delightful.  The palate was better and generally balanced and delicious— though the second time I sat with it there were a lot more new plastic notes, or clingfilm wrap that appeared around the edges.

Overall, solid, standard fare with a twist, but not something I would pour.