Bruichladdich – The Laddie Classic (70cl, 50%)

Bruichladdich The Laddie Classic is an Islay single malt, bottled at 50% in a 70cl bottle. It is not chill-filtered, so the fine particles that carry some of its flavour stay in the whisky. The nose begins with roasted malted barley and soft fruit: pear, papaya and honeydew melon. Sweetness from the oak follows a little later, along with vanilla pods, pancakes and bourbon. On the palate the texture is like warm syrup, sweet at the front, with barley, honey, almonds, pear and fresh lemon. Oak, vanilla, white pepper, apple, ginger and cardamom join in. The finish is long, with a salty sea breeze and citrus freshness.