Bruichladdich 10 - Value For Those Seeking It

One of the biggest complaints about single malt whisky is the price.  There are more and more customers everyday who are turning to American Bourbon and rye because of the bang for the buck, but good single malt whisky is hard to beat - especially when it's priced right.  

In 2001, Jim McEwan left Bowmore distillery to re-open the long dormant Bruichladdich and fire its stills once again. Ten years later, we’re finally able to taste the initial test of that long journey. One of the most anticipated whiskies of all time, we’ve finally gotten our hands on it and the results are in – the Bruichladdich 10 is one of the best value whiskies ever, destined to please a wide spectrum of Scotch lovers.  It's an unpeated Islay malt and it's the core of Bruichladdich through and through.  Soft vanilla, brine from the sea, stone fruits in caramel, and salt - all mingling together as one.  There's no one who wouldn't like this, yet the malt is distinctly different than something from the more accessible Highland style.

And then there's the story behind it....

Bruichladdich 10 year old "The Laddie" Islay Single Malt Whisky $52.99 - Finally, ten long years after re-opening the distillery, Bruichladdich has reached the finish line - a ten year old malt composed entirely of whisky made after the resurrection.  The wait has been worth it.  Many of us at K&L feel that Bruichladdich's post-2001 whiskies are some of the best distillates in the world - they've always just been a bit too immature.  The quality of the spirit coming off their pot stills is simply jaw-dropping (their Botanist gin is also delicious), and we've been excited to see what it can do after a decade in the barrel.  That time is finally here.  Recently voted "Best Islay Whisky of 2011" by the Whisky Advocate, the Bruichladdich 10 has finally reached the American west coast where at last we can revel in its glory.  For a small independently-owned distillery, the boys at Bruichladdich have struggled at times, but they've always landed on their feet.  The 10 year is one of the most anticipated whiskies of all time and for about $50, it's one of the best single malt deals we'll see this year.  For those lamenting the rising cost of good whisky, make sure you take home the Laddie 10 and savor each drop. This is true handcrafted whisky.

-David Driscoll