Bruichladdich 30 Years

Distillery Background and History:

Bruichladdich Distillery, founded in 1881 on the Rhinns of Islay, was established by the Harvey brothers. Known for its tall, narrow copper stills, the distillery historically produced a lighter, floral style distinct from its peaty neighbors  . After multiple closures, it was revived in 2001 and subsequently acquired by Rémy Cointreau in 2012  . The Bruichladdich Thirty commemorates the distillery’s renaissance, with spirit laid down during its period of shutdown  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy:

The release was overseen by Head Distiller Adam Hannett, continuing the tradition of valuing provenance, minimal intervention, and pure, unpeated Islay malts  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast):

This is a single malt crafted from pre-renaissance barley sources (“Pre‑Renaissance casks”), with water sourced from Islay springs. The exact barley provenance isn’t specified beyond being unpeated and tied to that era  .

Distillation Process:

While specific details for this bottling weren’t found, Bruichladdich typically employs tall copper pot stills and traditional fermentation in wooden washbacks—ensuring a light, fruity, and un-peated spirit  .

Maturation & Cask Information:

Matured entirely in ex‑bourbon casks, comprised of refill hogsheads and refill bourbon barrels depending on aging stage  . The 43% ABV bottling is un-chill filtered and free from added coloring  .

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Gentle mature aromatics—vanilla, soft oak, apple pie, tropical fruit, white chocolate  .

• Palate: Silky smooth with vanilla, black pepper, crisp apple cobbler, poached pear, brown sugar  .

• Finish: Long, floating, with unexpected notes of coffee, cocoa, plus lingering vanilla sweetness  . Additional impressions highlight toasted oak, honey, soft vanilla, dark chocolate, floral elegance, and sea air  .

Food Pairing Suggestions:

Ideal with sweet and refined dishes—apple tart, crème brûlée, or honey-glazed figs. Also pairs well with light seafood or floral desserts that complement its delicate and elegant fruitiness.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware:

Best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass (around 18–20 °C). A few drops of water may open up flavors gently; serving over ice is not recommended as it could mute its nuanced character.

Storage and Aging Potential:

Already very mature at 30 years old; store upright in a cool, stable, light-free environment. Once opened, best consumed within 1–2 years to preserve aromas, as further bottle aging adds little.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable):

Single Malt Scotch Whisky (unpeated, made from malted barley).

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

43%