Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Single Malt Scotch with Dan & Ryan

First out of the Big Box o Bruichladdich – the Classic Laddie!

The Classic is an established blend, created by one distiller and now serves as the mark the new distiller/blender must hit. This makes for better product consistency over time but I can imagine it might chafe after awhile.

An unpeated  expression, this is an interesting choice for a flagship Islay scotch. Light on smoke or peat, heavier on florals and fruits, the single malt blends some interesting notes. Here’s what we thought:

nose
Dan – sweet cherry (raw), mild fresh leather, pineapple
Simon – powerful fruit punch, smoke, slight mash
Ryan – green apple, rose water, honey

neat
Dan – slightly bitter, spicy, bitter roasted apricot
Simon – honey, spice, nutmeg
Ryan – oaky, cinnamon

finish
Dan – medium, hot
Simon – light, lingering
Ryan – easy, soft

splash
Dan – no sweetness, kind of kills it
Simon – simple, sweet
Ryan – nothing new

overall
Dan – 6.5/10
Simon – 7.6/10
Ryan – 6.5/10

Bruichladdich Classic Laddie – 50% 200ml – $?? – Islay

Try it? Yes. Buy it? 2/3 yes.