Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten


Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten
Picture: The Whisky Exchange

The Laddie Ten was the beginning of a new era. When a group around Mark Reynier and Simon Coughlin re-opened the doors of Bruichladdich Distillery, they were already planning a 10-year-old. Age mattered in those days...

In 2011 Bruichladdich could finally unveil it's Laddie Ten. The success did not go unnoticed. Rémy-Cointreau offered a huge bag of money (£ 58 million). One man voted against the sale: Mark Reynier. The new era was at the same time the end for a man that embodied Bruichladdich's revival.


Identity Card Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten

  • Official bottling from Bruichladdich Distillery (Islay)
  • 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky
  • Alcohol: 46 % ABV
  • uncoloured and unchillfiltered

The first ten years are the toughest

Tasting notes


Colour: The Laddie Ten matured solely on American Oak. This could be best described as straw with a golden honey hue.

Nose: The nose is overwhelming. Vanilla, honey, milk, honeysuckle and lime infused tea. Steamed vegetables with sesame oil. Roasted sesame seeds and caramelised bananas.
A few drops of water accentuate the sweeter side. Vanilla, honey, gingerbread and sweet citrus lemonade. Milk chocolate with hazelnut.

Taste: The palate is fresh, sweet and spicy. Mandarin, chocolate and wood flakes with a hint of tobacco and nuts.
Influenced by water there's more citrus lemonade with a dash of pepper. It gets drier towards the end and a little oakier.

Finish: The finish is dry with some sweetness. The laddie is clear on one thing: More, please!

Conclusion

The Laddie Ten caught everyone's attention justly. Mark Reynier injected his knowledge of the wine trade into a new and fresh Bruichladdich. The concept of terroir still is, even after the take-over, the basis of future Laddies.

There's a rumour that all available bottles are being recalled to Islay headquarters and sold as a distillery-only bottling. Scarce, age statement, a gap in production,... A lot of theories roam around. If you spot one, don't hesitate too long.

Price is € 50. Finders, keepers.


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