This Bruichladdich 30 Year Old is one of the latest additions to the Director’s Special series from Elixir Distillers. These bottlings always have our attention. Selected by Sukhinder himself, the range presents some of the finests casks in their inventory.
Since Elixir Distillers released a whole series of 1992 Laddies over the past few years, this could be the same vintage. It was bottled last year but it took a while before appearing at retailers.
Bruichladdich 30 yo (48,3%, Single Malts of Scotland ‘Director’s Special’ 2023, hogshead #218, 218 btl.)
Nose: a very civilised, old style. Sunflower oil, heather honey, light cereals and hints of fresh canvas with oil paint. Then aniseed, hay, a little chalk… At the same time some faded vanilla too, with subtle elderflower and ripe yellow plums underneath.
Mouth: same profile. Off-dry with a firm herbal side. There’s honey and pollen, quickly followed by herbal teas, waxy notes and sandalwood. Reminds me of the quirkiness that Banff or Coleburn often had – I miss Banff. Then some grassy notes. Also lemon oil and lemon peel, light medicinal touches, hints of paraffin and a nice earthiness.
Finish: quite long, with lingering wood spice, vegetal oil, a touch of mustard and a nice fatty edge.
This really seems to come from a different era. I love the subtle austerity, the oiliness and the little intricacies. Overall a complex, intruiging Laddie. Available from The Whisky Exchange or TyndumWhisky among others.