Bruichladdich Cuvee 382 / La Berenice / 21 Year Old

Cuvée… the name says it all. This is one of three 21 year old Bruichladdich malts that was finished – in this case on sweet Barsac and Sauternes casks. It has a beautiful bronze color. This Laddie was produced from unmalted barley.

The nose is very aromatic and rich on pear syrup, overripe green grapes and honey. A hint of peppermint. Some papaya and melon, hint of guava. Add some almonds. Suddenly some green banana kicks in with vengeance. Pisang Ambon on steroids. Truckload of vanilla. And it works perfectly – my saliva glands kick in.

Wonderfully creamy and at first this reminds me of grain cookies, but immediately smothered in a luxurious marmalade of exotic fruit. Lots of honey and bright notes of toffee apples and butterscotch. Some toasted oak, pepper and cloves. The dessert wine has done it’s part, for it feels like a dessert whisky, should such a thing exist. Hint of walnuts and a pinch of salt. Mandarin reveals itself. There is a lot going on here!

The finish is long, honeysweet, spicy and very rich. Mildly drying.

This is a perfect after dinner dram. I’m mightily impressed.

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