Bruichladdich – Old Skool 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (70cl, 50%)

This is a 10 year old Islay single malt from Bruichladdich, bottled at 50% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It is one of three 25th Anniversary Limited Releases marking 25 years since the distillery reopened in 2001. The name refers to the retro label, styled on those Bruichladdich used in the 1980s. The whisky is unpeaked and made from barley grown on 14 local Islay farms. It was matured mainly in first-fill bourbon casks, with a smaller share in first-fill Sauternes casks. The nose shows apricot, nectarine, red plums, vanilla, orange blossom, geranium leaves and sea breeze. The palate is balanced and viscous, with citrus, pear, apple, coconut, caramel and vanilla, followed by a little apricot and grapefruit in the finish.