In early April I’m going on a road trips with some friends to Islay. On the way back we’re going to have an afternoon in Campbeltown. We’ve booked the Cadenhead’s Warehouse tasting! It’s insane how much I’m looking forward to that, not in the least because of the Cask Ends bottles I’ve been able to try (here, here and here).

Add to that, that most of the whiskies I’ve had or seen from this series have been from distilleries I really like (especially Highland Park and Bruichladdich). I am sooooo looking forward to that. Also to Islay, and the time with friends, and Islay Ales and so much more, of course.

Anyway, a properly aged Bruichladdich, at a decent strength, from a bourbon cask. All is good in whisky land. Or at least, that is what I was hoping for.

Random Cadenhead’s Cask Ends bottle.

Sniff:
Lots of barley and a prominent, but gentle oakiness. Light, and very crisp, in a ‘forest in spring’ kind of way. Tobacco leaves, oak, malt and tad dry. A very light whiff of vanilla crumble, with shortbread.

Sip:
Full and dry, with white pepper and oak. Autumn leaves, tobacco and some baking spices. Rich, with custard.

Swallow:
Consistent with the palate, albeit a bit more focused on the spices. Oak and vanilla, baking sices. Tobacco and autumn leaves.

Well, it is a bit more focused on the vanilla and custard flavors that I expected, or hoped for. However, with the autumn leaves, tobacco and baking spices, it is simply delicious. There’s still quite a lot to be gotten and the vanilla never gets overpowering in any way.

I’m glad this kind of older Bruichladdich is still out there, especially from Cadenhead’s it seems. I love this style and you really taste a whisky that shows its age in a good way. There’s not much that’s not to love.

91/100

Bruichladdich 1992, 23yo, 50.5%, Cadenhead’s Cask Ends. Obviously it’s gone now.