Bruichladdich 18 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Bruichladdich are known for the producing the most heavily peated Scotch you can find, but its core whisky, the Classic Laddie, is actually unpeated. Now, more than two decades after it reopened, the distillery is releasing its first 18 year-old as part of a high-end "Redefined" lineup with a classic bourbon matured malt. 50% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... A whiff of wood smoke or char on the nose, creating an overlay to more classic notes of stone fruit, mango, red berries, apples, and vanilla. Still lots of fruited liveliness beneath the initial smoke, which develops more toward cigar box and cigar ash. The palate offers honeyed sweetness, crème brûlée, coconut cream, tropical fruits, red berries, and pepper spice. Smooth and mellow on the finish, but the flavors don’t linger long. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com

This is the new one with the funny box and the hefty price (190€). Well, at least it's a conversation starter, which is already something. They mention terroir on the label, but I'm not sure all the barley comes from Islay; if it doesn't, that's a very liberal use of the term 'terroir' that they're employing. Anyway, marketers around the world are trying to invent new meanings for this word right now. In summary, they all claim that "terroir is what we do at home." Yes, of course... Colour: gold. Nose: it's quite deep but not ultra-expressive, a bit earthy and chalky, malty, more on a bread dough side, with hints of carbon powder, then more honey. It undoubtedly needs water. With water: beeswax comes out, fruit wines (the eternal peaches and melons), fresh raisin rolls... Mouth (neat): now this is very good, it starts with ripe fruits around peaches and oranges, with an immediate liquorice side. Also that fruit salad side that we so love in Bruichladdich. There's also a bit of wine but nothing too serious. With water: it's well-structured, fruity, with some citrus pastries. It seems younger than it is. Finish: medium length. Melons, guavas, sweet pepper, and always a few drops of indeterminate wine and a bit of wood/tea. Comments: it's not a very maritime Laddie, and the eighteen years don't really feel, but the quality is undoubtedly there. Be careful when you open the odd box, hold the bottle from the bottom (I almost got caught). 86 points - whiskyfun.com