Bruichladdich 1992 23 Years Old (Single Malts of Scotland)

Remember when I posted a review of this Ledaig over 5 months ago? That was the first review in a series of a lot of samples the good people of Speciality Drinks sent me. Now, finally, it is time to review the final whisky from this sample bomb, a Bruichladdich 1992 23 Years Old.

This was distilled and filled into a hogshead during a time when Mark Reynier was still a wine merchant and Bruichladdich was a fairly anonymous distillery. Nowadays Bruichladdich has a much higher profile, and Mark Reynier isn’t even with the company anymore. A lot can happen in 25 years.

Bruichladdich 1992 23 Years Old (55,4%, Single Malts of Scotland, C#3839)

Nose: Dried fruits and straw, with a light touch of porridge and damp wood. Becoming sweeter with time, when notes of honey and brown sugar come into play. In the background there’s a faint minerality. Highly attractive.
Taste: Lots of candied lemons at first, quickly followed by creamy vanilla custard, candle wax and crème brûlée. Surprisingly spicy now, with cumin seeds and ginger. Plenty of (charred) oak too.
Finish: The spices keep lingering, with finally a slight waxiness. Pretty long.

Rating: 87

Just like this Mortlach I tasted recently, this certainly is not generic. Distilled before the new owners took over at the start of this millennium, this is a unique whisky that isn’t as accessible. But if you give it a chance, you’re probably in for a pleasant surprise.

Sample provided by Speciality Drinks

Photo: Whiskybase