Larry Stein
Larry Stein
Let's see if I still have a Handel on this or not...
Last evening, I went to a dinner which featured whiskies from Bruichladdich. 10 in all. This was a joint effort put on by my friend Amit and the local Winebow rep.
It was quite enlightening as I've never had the chance to do this extensive of a comparison between the different malts from this distiller. Here they are in the order tasted. Unless noted, all are 46% alc. and unchillfiltered.
Organic 2003: Organic meaning that the barley is organic. Lightly peated, fruity, caramel note, good length, showing a bit of heat
Links Birkdale: More peat, a one note malt (caramel), simple, a slight bitter note in the finish
1993 Gaja Bolgheri: The color of orange wine, smoke, caramel, doesn't seem malt-like, taste more barrel than whisky, bitter finish. However, with the chilled fennel and pea soup, it's fruitier and less woody.
16 year Cuvee "D" Haut Brion: Now we're talking. Well balanced, quite complex, smooth, fruit and vanilla, very aromatic, terrific length and finish, no barrel note
1998 Oloroso: Some sweetness, nuts, decent length, way too much wood note
Infinity 3rd Edition (50% alc): Peaty, nice fruit, nuts, good length, shows its alcohol
17 Year Rum Cask: Spicy, nuts, hint of brown sugar, fruity, nice length, shows its alcohol
Legacy VI - 1972: Saline, subtle (almost too much so), orange, spices, terrific mouth feel, amazing length. $400+/btl? I don't think so.
Golder Still - 1984 (51% alc): Lovely, fruit, hint of caramel, vanilla bean, great mouth feel, amazing length, no sense of heat at all. $280/btl? Possibly.
Peat - Bit simple, just OK, a one note malt
For the 8 malts that were in the $60-100 range, the Cuvee "D" was the clear winner, hands down. I would've purchased a bottle, however the Port Charlotte 8 (PC8) is about to be released. That's where my money is going. I already have PC5, 6, and 7.
Last evening, I went to a dinner which featured whiskies from Bruichladdich. 10 in all. This was a joint effort put on by my friend Amit and the local Winebow rep.
It was quite enlightening as I've never had the chance to do this extensive of a comparison between the different malts from this distiller. Here they are in the order tasted. Unless noted, all are 46% alc. and unchillfiltered.
Organic 2003: Organic meaning that the barley is organic. Lightly peated, fruity, caramel note, good length, showing a bit of heat
Links Birkdale: More peat, a one note malt (caramel), simple, a slight bitter note in the finish
1993 Gaja Bolgheri: The color of orange wine, smoke, caramel, doesn't seem malt-like, taste more barrel than whisky, bitter finish. However, with the chilled fennel and pea soup, it's fruitier and less woody.
16 year Cuvee "D" Haut Brion: Now we're talking. Well balanced, quite complex, smooth, fruit and vanilla, very aromatic, terrific length and finish, no barrel note
1998 Oloroso: Some sweetness, nuts, decent length, way too much wood note
Infinity 3rd Edition (50% alc): Peaty, nice fruit, nuts, good length, shows its alcohol
17 Year Rum Cask: Spicy, nuts, hint of brown sugar, fruity, nice length, shows its alcohol
Legacy VI - 1972: Saline, subtle (almost too much so), orange, spices, terrific mouth feel, amazing length. $400+/btl? I don't think so.
Golder Still - 1984 (51% alc): Lovely, fruit, hint of caramel, vanilla bean, great mouth feel, amazing length, no sense of heat at all. $280/btl? Possibly.
Peat - Bit simple, just OK, a one note malt
For the 8 malts that were in the $60-100 range, the Cuvee "D" was the clear winner, hands down. I would've purchased a bottle, however the Port Charlotte 8 (PC8) is about to be released. That's where my money is going. I already have PC5, 6, and 7.