This may be one of the most complex cask schemes Bruichladdich has tried for one of its single malts…and that’s saying something given the distillery’s past record. While the final bottling was finished for 18 months in first-fill Oloroso hogsheads from Spain’s Fernando de Castilla bodega, the vatting itself came from a combination of 30% first-fill American Whiskey casks, 40% second-fill American Whisky casks, 35% Vin du Naturel French wine casks, and 5% second-fill Syrah wine casks.

The nose has a kiss of smoke along with touches of grilled fruits, figs, dates, Manuka honey, and dried flowers. Give it some time to breathe in the glass and more fruitiness will come out along with a hint of ginger. The taste has a good Sherry influence with sweet and dry touches at first…heavy on the figs and dates, along with subtle spices and hints of berry cobbler and Christmas cake that develop slowly for a full-bodied flavor. The finish is long, luscious, and fruity. Wow! (January, 2021)