2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

I was so excited to see this on the Douglas Laing list I jumped at the chance to taste this distillate. When the samples arrived I knew we had something special. Some might point to this barrel and exclaim about the price, and yes compared to many lesser names, this is an expensive 18 year old. But compared to other single barrel Bruichladdich this is EXTREMELY affordable. Single barrels of Bruichladdich from our friends at Dramfool traded for over $300 in the 10-12 year range. An 18 year from the Douglas Laing's rival Hunter Laing trades for over $400! So it's really a pretty good deal and simply the only old single barrel in the market. But all of that doesn't matter if you don't like how it tastes and for those expecting the big extracted wine-y style that many older Bruichladdichs exhibit (I'm looking at you Black Art) or even the toast-y character of the distillery 18, you'll be disappointed. Those who love the purity and character of old rugged Bruichladdich spirit on full display without any dressing or make-up - you'll rejoice. Let's see what we've got. The color is a minimalistic pale gold (0.3). The gorgeous nose offers classical aromatics - lemon oil, canary melons, cream of wheat, salty rocks, fresh salt meadows, butter cookies, barley tea, hints of industrial machinery and old boats. The palate has plenty more of the lemon-y stuff with a big malt-y core and buttered salted biscuits. It's just a gorgeous old school version of this most modern malt that is seemingly not in existence elsewhere at the moment. Perhaps for some of the most discerning this will be the whisky of the season.