Bruichladdich 17 Year (2004), The Good Spirits Co. for Ralfy.com
Whisky: Bruichladdich 17 Year (2004), The Good Spirits Co. for Ralfy.com
Country/Region: Scotland/Islay
ABV: 52.7%
Cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrel
Age: 17 Years (Distilled 2004, Bottled Sept. 2023)
Nose: Violets and bitter oranges with scorched rice in the background; garden center flower stems, potting soil, clay pots; bitter orange and pomelo collided over subtle notions of dissolved minerals and salty tide pools, sea shells, aromatic woods.
Palate: Medium-bodied, slightly oily, bitter orange and candied citrus rinds, ginger stem and honey, floral or vegetal notes of green stems, potting soil, clay pots, subtle salt, sour lemon peel and pepper at the end.
Finish: Medium to long and slightly drying with rock sugar candies and a kiss of salt.
Score: 7 (83)
Mental Image: Vonbee Tea Time at the Home Depot.
Narrative & Notes: Wow! This was an unusual Laddie— had I tried this blind, I am certain I would have guessed it was an Allt-a-bhainne with its strong flower stem and garden center vibes. I may never have watched much Ralfy on YouTube, but I have tried several of the casks they have bottled over the years, and the whiskies have ranged from delicious to wonderfully unique. As someone disconnected from Whisky YouTube, the fact that I know who they are speaks to their presence across the greater whisky zeitgeist— clearly a personality beyond the platform.
The whisky before me was unique and stunning, with clarion bitter orange notes and sweet puffed rice or rock sugar candies. The sweet, sour, bitter, and salty elements never felt in competition with one another, which provided a sense of balance. If there was any room for critique beyond just wondering where some of the lactic nature of Bruichladdich from this era usually carries, it was the sometimes peppery, bitter, sour, or spirited quality of the whisky at the end of each sip.
Overall, exotic fare— a conversation piece. My wife, who always comes to these whiskies blind, was less pleased with it than I was and gave it a 2/5, comparing it to slightly fruity urine. So maybe it is a bit divisive, but that makes it perfect as a conversation piece and something to share with friends.
