Bruichladdich 30 years 1988 Rare Cask Series "The Untouchable"

This landmark 1988 vintage has never been re-casked.

It has matured over 30 years in our 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.

Tasting notes:

Colour – Polished copper.

Nose – 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.

Taste – 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.

Finish – 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.

Character – 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.

Bruichladdich Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery is located on the west coast of the island of Islay, on the shores of Loch Indaal. Founded in 1881 by the Harvey brothers, the distillery has a rich history and is known for its innovative and experimental approach to whisky production.

A specific feature of Bruichladdich is the diversity in their whiskies. The distillery produces three types of single malt whisky: Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore. Bruichladdich whiskies are unpeated and are known for their fruity and floral character with notes of citrus and sea salt. Port Charlotte is heavily peated, with a robust smokiness and rich flavours of earth and spices. Octomore, the world's most peated whisky, has intense smoke notes with complex layers of fruit and spice.

The distillery places a strong emphasis on terroir and transparency, using locally grown barley and the pure water of Islay. The whiskies are matured in a variety of cask types, such as ex-bourbon, wine and sherry casks, making for complex and diverse flavour profiles.

Bruichladdich is known for its commitment to sustainability and local community, and their whiskies are often described as lively, complex and distinct. The combination of tradition, innovation and a strong focus on local ingredients makes Bruichladdich a unique and respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.