Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
Floral, Nutty, Hay Like2023-01-08
After we had entered the batch code of the bottle on the Bruichladdich homepage - thanks to transparency - we received a list of detailed information about the casks used, the barley processed and the year of bottling. Even though the whisky comes without an age statement, this can be roughly calculated.
Smell
The number of different casks involved is immediately noticeable. The Scotch releases aromas of sugar syrup and caramel paired with vanilla, honey and white chocolate. Freshly mown grass, further floral notes and spicy oak notes resonate. Here and there, dark berries can be sensed.
Taste
Spicy, vanilla, sweet with a bit of nuttiness. The three-stage development of the Classic Laddie is interesting to observe. In the first stage, vanilla, brown sugar and honey spread out. The second stage moves into Brazil nuts and walnuts, lightly salted with a little crispbread and crunchy cereals. Finally, in the third stage, there is a bit of bitterness that we can't quite put our finger on - perhaps red wine.
Finish
The medium-long finish also develops in the throat. Beginning in the sweetish area, it turns into a spicy-soft combination to finally flash lightly fruity nuances.
Conclusion
We are thrilled. The Classic Laddie does not reflect the otherwise smoky character of the other two series (Octomore, Port Charlotte) of the distillery, but it is still a rock-solid whisky and shows what can be expected in the standard range of Bruichladdich. Despite the 6-7 years, it is surprisingly elegant and well balanced. Extra points here for transparency, which is something we would like to see in all bottlings from all other distilleries. Uncoloured, non-chill-filtered, 50% drinking strength, what more could you want? The price is also fair here - a clear recommendation.