Bruichladdich Cuvee 640 / Eroica / 21 Year Old

Cuvée 640 is a Bruichladdich that got a finish on a… cognac cask! The label states overigens ‘Oh Mensch! Gieb Acht! Was spricht die tiefe mitternacht?’ which is the opening line from ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ (can you hear the music?) from German philosopher Nietzche. You still there? Anyway, this Laddie is unpeated and 21 years old.

Salted Granny Smith! Yes, sorry to barge in like that, but it’s the first thing I smell. Weird but very pleasant. This is immediately upholstered with some peach, lemongrass, unripe pineapple, mango and – something I have not encountered in whisky before – oregano. Elderflowers. Turns quite tropical, in fact. This needs some time, but if you have some to spare, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded.

It is creamy on the palate and immediately very sweet. Apples, oranges… but soon a salty note kicks in. Lemongrass, white pepper, pine kernels and a drop or two of brackish water. And you know what? It works like a charm!

This Laddie reveals it’s age in the drying finish. Dried apricots and applesauce at the death.

Very nice indeed, but it just does not reach the level of Cuvée 382.

Find where to buy Bruichladdich whisky