Bruichladdich – 30 Year Old Director's Special (70cl, 48.3%)

This Bruichladdich 30 Year Old is a single hogshead bottling in the Director's Special series from The Single Malts of Scotland, where Sukhinder Singh selects casks personally. A total of 218 bottles were filled at cask strength, 48.3%, in a 70cl size. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour. An unpeated Islay malt, it is floral, herbal and earthy, with honey sweetness, pastry notes and the oils of lemon and orange. The nose offers elderflower, nettle, syrup, honeysuckle and an earthy undertone, with gingerbread dough and light aniseed. On the palate come honey water, tarragon and mint, with gentle spice and cake dough, balanced by lemon and orange oil. The finish is long, with spice and elderflower lingering as the sweetness fades.