Back when David Stirk was head-honcho of the Creative Whisky Company there were ups and downs for the bottler. As soon as he did things with normal casks, the whiskies were thoroughly enjoyable, but the ones with the Exclusive Casks label were a bit ‘out there’.

But, with him stepping down a couple years ago and now the appearance of a new brand, I’m quite enthusiastic about what it could bring. And so, when a Bruichladdich from what appears to be a bourbon cask pops up, I’m game. If that Bruichladdich is sort-of affordable (especially compared to most Bruichladdichs being released nowadays), it peaks my interest.

Let’s dive in and see if I spent my € 160 well!

Sniff:
Lots of milky weirdness, with a rather typical note of grist and grass. Slightly salty and coastal, with hints of vegetable ash. Quite floral without being perfumy. It’s very much in a typical style of Bruichladdich that you don’t find often anymore.

Sip:
The palate is quite intense, even though it’s ‘only’ 50%. Dry and grassy, with hints of fresh American oak. Sawdust, lightly toasted white bread, salmiak, and milk powder.

Swallow:
The finish stays quite intense. Not overly hot, but intense. Still milky, slightly funky with coastal salinity and salty licorice (and salmiak). Floral, grassy, flowery meadows, marram grass.

It reminds me of me the Bruichladdich from Archives from a couple of years ago. It’s a bit out there and I can imagine this not appealing to everyone’s palate, but it does to mine. Those strange sherbet-y notes work very well for me. Highly recommended!

I’m even considering getting myself another bottle, since the first one went really fast.

They’re available at different shops in The Netherlands.

88/100