Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
Bruichladdich's The Classic Laddie stands out as one of the most distinctive and unforgettable bottles in the world of whisky. The striking turquoise bottle, paired with bold, contemporary white font, ensures that it leaves a lasting impression on anyone who encounters it. My return to this whisky was sparked by a recommendation to watch "The Water of Life: A Whisky Film," which delves into Bruichladdich's rise under the stewardship of Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier since their acquisition in 2000. The film peels back the layers of this innovative and pioneering distillery, which set out to be an "antidote to the industry norm." The bottle certainly embodies this ethos—but what about the whisky itself?
Bottle
The Classic Laddie's bottle is a true masterpiece of design. Its vivid turquoise colour isn't just a wrap; it's printed directly onto the glass, enhancing its visual impact. The embossing and debossing on the neck and base, featuring the name of the island and distillery, add an extra layer of sophistication. The choice of a modern, clean font for the labelling stands in stark contrast to the traditional imagery often associated with Scotch whisky— a deliberate departure that I find refreshing and intriguing.
Colour
While the bottle's opacity may obscure the contents (a minor frustration as the bottle slowly empties), once poured, The Classic Laddie reveals itself as an uncoloured, non-chill filtered whisky with a pale straw hue reminiscent of a light white wine.
Nose - Upon nosing, The Classic Laddie delights with a fragrant bouquet dominated by orchard fruits, particularly apple, followed by a delicate sweetness of honey. Subtle notes of heather and freshly cut flowers round out the nose, promising a delicious tasting experience.
Palate - Bottled at 50% ABV, The Classic Laddie delivers a punch of flavour from the first sip, with a pleasant burn on the tongue. Orchard fruits take centre stage once again, accompanied by hints of grapes, golden raisins, and a touch of maltiness, with just a whisper of the ocean in the background.
Finish - The medium to long finish allows the malt and sweet flavours to linger, gradually mellowing in the mouth before fading away, leaving a sense of satisfaction in its wake.
Overall
Bruichladdich's approach to whisky-making is nothing short of fascinating, marked by a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and local sourcing. Each batch of The Classic Laddie is subtly unique, offering something new to discover with every pour. Personally, I'm enamoured not only with the whisky itself but also with Bruichladdich's bold stance in challenging traditional industry norms. With its distinctive design and exceptional quality, The Classic Laddie is a standout choice for any whisky enthusiast, especially when snagged at a bargain price. Cheers to Bruichladdich for pushing boundaries and delivering an unforgettable whisky experience.
Available from Master of Malt for around £43, or check price and availability at Amazon