Bruichladdich The Untouchable 1988 30 Year Old Unpeated Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Islay – Scotland

The landmark Bruichladdich Untouchable 1988 30 Year Old Unpeated Single Malt Scotch Whisky has never been re-casked. It has matured over 30 years in Bruichladdichs warehouses in the same wood it was originally filled into – refill bourbon and, unusually, rare refill squat hogsheads. The subtle influence of these refill oak casks has resulted in a delicate and measured relationship between spirit and wood, quietly cultivated over time. It was always understood that this small parcel of casks required no interference, no guiding hand; just a watchful eye and palate to see it through. It is definitive, old, Bourbon-aged Bruichladdich – some of the last of its kind.

Polished copper in colour. The nose is hugely floral, sun dried hay, coconut oil, buttercups and primrose. Vanilla fudge, porridge with golden syrup and a sweet citrus tang. Over time the coconut becomes stronger and dried apricot and sherbet come through more. A definitive American oak style, toasted oak and vanilla caramel hold the fruit from the spirit. Like liquid velvet laced with coconut and citrus. Honeyed granola, toasted malt and mellow toasted oak take a hold of your palate. A classic Bruichladdich style, elegant and floral at first before allowing the oak to sweep in with pipe tobacco and fudge. A second sip brings some fruit, ripe pineapple, mango and hint of mint. The finish shows a little more of the marine element of the maturation. A sea breeze with wood spice and fudge. The toasted oak goes the distance too and seems to bring along a little mango and aniseed to finish.

One of the great vintages of Bruichladdich, the faith in the right wood and the right time to develop have allowed a superb spirit to show both its natural elegance and its strength of character.

Region: Scotland

Variety:Single Malt Scotch

WhiskyVintage:1988.

Size:700ml

Closure:Cork

Alcohol:46.2%

Guide:Smooth/powerfull

Limited to 6000 bottles