New Bruichladdich Line-Up!

Some exciting news on the Bruichladdich front.  I was the first in California to taste their new line up this morning which should be available here in a month or so.  These are the whiskies and my impressions.  Speaking for myself, and a few of you who I have spoken with about this, I've been a bit put off by Bruichladdich's pricing and their vast inventory as of late (how many can you really afford to buy and how different are they really?), but this lot was truly spectacular and got me very excited for their arrival.  If you are interested, send me a line and can do a pre-order for you.
 
2003 Bruichladdich Organic Single Malt Whisky 750ml $79.99 - Made from 100% organically farmed barley this whisky, also labeled "Anns An T-Seann Doigh" (made in the traditional manner) is another exciting young whisky from the modern post-2001 era of Bruichladdich.  Aged 6 years in bourbon cask and peated at a very light 3 ppm, this dram is energetic with spice, hints of grain and malty cereal, along with richer tones from the barrel influence.  Very tasty and very fun.  46% ABV
 
Bruichladdich Links Series Valhalla 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml $79.99 - Aged in bourbon with acing in Barsac casks from Chateau Climens, this is classic Bruichladdich flavor.  It's rich with flavor, but not overly sweet.  Completely balanced and should satisfy any fan of the traditional distillery style.
 
Bruichladdich Cuvee C Margaux Cask 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml $105.99 - An orange-amber color from the wine cask influence, this is 16 year old is perhaps the most impressive of the Cuvee First Growth series, with gorgeous flavors of dense, chewy dried fruits.  The flavors of the claret really mesh well with the bourbon aged dram and swirl over the palate. This is one of the better cask enhancements that we've seen from the distillery.  Very very good.
 
Bruichladdich Cuvee D Haut Brion Cask 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml $105.99 - An orange-amber color from the wine cask influence, this is 16 year old has a bit more sweetness than than Cuvee A, B or C, but still has gobs of chewy dried fruit and loads of complexity.  The flavors of the claret really mesh well with the bourbon aged dram and swirl over the palate. This is very very good whisky from one of our favorite producers.
 
1989 Bruichladdich Black Art Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml $154.99 - Wow, this is as bizarre as it is wonderful!  An unbelievable rose-red color with a fresh red fruited nose showing hints of baking spice and vanilla, this whisky was aged orginally in bourbon and then enhanced with assorted and undisclosed wine barrels, making its recipe a total secret.  The intial sip shows a bit of caramel and sweetness, but then the red fruit kicks in again and flushes it out all the way to the finish.  Bottled at 51.1%, adding a drop of water only enhances the aromas and flavors.  This is one of the most fascinating whiskies I've had all year.
 
Bruichladdich Legacy Collection Series VI 34 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml $450.99 - Only 1704 bottles of this classic 34 year old elixer were produced.  A true standout among the classy and elegant whiskies we have ever carried, this all bourbon cask-aged malt has the complexity on the nose that only older and distinguished drams can offer: soft honey, spices, oil and wax, grains, cereal, and more - all swirling in and out of your senses.  The palate shows all of these profiles and more with touches of citrus and white fruits.  Delicate, dainty, and refined, this bottle belongs on the shelf of the most serious of serious collectors.  A true masterpiece.
David Driscoll