Tasting notes:
NOSE: Floral with lots of almonds up front followed by vanilla with a sweetness similar to the white ports of Mudgee AU followed by some citrus/grapefruit – Quite fresh and vibrant but lacking the alcohol assault I was expecting at 63.5%alc. Definitely different though.
PALATE: Woah, we’re really cooking now – hot as hell and yet pure and fresh. Could strip the chrome clean off a door knob I kid you not, 😉 Huge pepper notes yet really vibrant. Poached pear comes through accompanied by a drying flavour that is quite perculiar. Youthful and crisp, a real mixed bag.
FINISH: The finish is scorched earth – blessed by the Dark Lord Sauron himself. Lots of hot spice. The dry fallow layer returns and lingers fading back to the initial nosing of sweet hazelnuts.
Definitely not an everyday dram but it will definitely be the life of any party and take centre stage in many more tastings and conversations – Congratulations Bruichladdich for bottling and releasing such a unique dram – Progressive distillers at the top of their zany game.