Bruichladdich 2005 – 2019 Fèis Ìle Valinch

A high-strength, distillery-exclusive single cask release, marking the 2019 Fèis Ìle festival with second-fill sherry maturation.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

This bottling is a definitive piece of Bruichladdich's contemporary history, specifically produced for the 2019 Fèis Ìle (Islay Festival of Music and Malt). Released only at the distillery site, the 'Valinch' series epitomises Bruichladdich's post-2001 reopening philosophy under Murray McDavid's leadership: maximum transparency, high strength, and a focus on unique cask management. The term 'Valinch' itself is old whisky terminology for the pipette used to draw samples directly from the cask, underscoring the liquid's authenticity and closeness to the barrel.

The liquid was distilled in 2005, making it stock from the early years of the distillery's modern operational period. The choice of a second-fill Sherry cask is deliberate. It ensures the powerful, maritime, unpeated Bruichladdich spirit is granted structural complexity and red-fruit depth without the sherry influence becoming overpowering or drying, which can sometimes occur with aggressive first-fill sherry butts. This expression perfectly balances the distillery's renowned spirit character with high-quality cask influence, creating a dram that is complex, powerful, and utterly unique to the series.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The technical data is highly specific, reflecting the absolute transparency of the Valinch line. The spirit was aged for 13 years in a single Second-fill Sherry Cask. It was bottled at Cask Strength, verified at 61.1% ABV. The defining scarcity factor is the outturn of exactly 438 bottles. This low volume, originating from a single cask, ensures persistent collector demand that consistently outstrips supply in the secondary market.

Documented variants

The Valinch series comprises multiple limited, single-cask releases. While there are other Fèis Ìle releases, this 13 Year Old, Second-fill Sherry cask at 61.1% ABV is a unique liquid profile.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

As a rare Fèis Ìle exclusive, the integrity of the packaging is paramount for market valuation. The bottle volume is 50cl, standard for the Valinch series. The packaging often includes an outer presentation tin or box. The existence and condition of this outer presentation are key; even minor cosmetic flaws (such as small dents or marks) can reduce the item’s collectible premium.¹

Authentication relies on verifying the specific single cask number (Cask No. 9 - 15/144) and the fixed outturn of 438 bottles, details typically found on the primary or neck label. The bottling strength of 61.1% ABV, also noted on the label, is a definitive marker of the high-integrity spirit. For this high-strength modern bottling, a fill level of 'Into Neck' is mandatory.

Regulatory/terminology notes

The Cask Strength bottling at 61.1% ABV confirms that the spirit retains its original, concentrated strength. As is standard practice for Bruichladdich's specialist releases, it is non-chill-filtered and free from added colouring, ensuring the full, natural texture and hue are preserved.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

Nose: Delicate and full of impressive depth. The aroma profile is complex, initially presenting delicate notes of caramel and light honey.

Palate: A powerful explosion of delicate flavours. The palate is rich and balanced, showcasing the interplay between the unpeated spirit and the sherry wood complexity.

Finish: The conclusion is long, defined by warm, prickles of peppery warmth.

With water: Not explicitly stated. However, the high ABV (61.1%) strongly suggests that dilution would effectively temper the alcoholic intensity, allowing the nuanced sherry and fruit esters to integrate more smoothly with the core spirit character.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

Pricing is extremely high relative to the initial release cost, demonstrating significant collector demand for Fèis Ìle Valinch series.

Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. Estimated to be around $\pounds 75.00$ to $\pounds 100.00$ upon release (based on comparable sales of 50cl Valinch bottles in the early 2020s).

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): $\pounds 250.00 – \pounds 400.00$.

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): $\pounds 120.00 – \pounds 150.00$.

Price Snapshot

Pricing stratification: The low outturn (438 bottles) guarantees that the hammer price maintains a consistent floor well above the initial RRP. The primary stratification factor is the condition of the box/tin, which can influence the final value substantially.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate. Acquisition is confined to auction channels where dedicated bids are required to secure the item, which sold out in minutes upon original release.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Bruichladdich is known for its experimental and transparent approach to whisky making, with a philosophical mission to showcase Islay terroir and ingredient provenance. The Valinch series, in particular, showcases the distillery’s dedication to bottling single casks at their purest, most potent strength.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras

Acquisition must focus strictly on the 2019 Fèis Ìle release, confirming the 13 Year Old age and Cask #9 - 15/144.

Red flags to avoid

Any ambiguity in the single cask identification or claims of the bottle being a general release. Also, look for damage to the presentation tin, a known fragility of the series.1

Condition thresholds

Pristine (Mint) condition of the bottle and outer packaging is required to command the highest premiums. Fill level must be 'Into Neck'.

Margin/velocity expectations

Good margins are achievable by leveraging the auction price floor; velocity is moderate due to low overall supply.