Chapter 36
My first Homage to...Bruichladdich
In the quiet hush of January, Peppino and I made our way to Bruichladdich Distillery, perched on the serene shores of Loch Indaal on the Isle of Islay. With the usual crowds absent and the cool Atlantic air crisp and clear, the visit felt wonderfully unhurried. The distillery’s signature turquoise accents brighten the rugged landscape, a playful contrast to its historic stone buildings. Beyond its striking colours, Bruichladdich stands out for its commitment to sustainability—championing local barley and progressive, eco-conscious practices that keep tradition and innovation in easy balance.
Bruichladdich hardly needs my homage, but if you love whisky and haven’t been, it’s a journey worth making at least once. We ended our visit with a tasting of three cask-strength drams: an elegant unpeated Bruichladdich, a smoky Port Charlotte, and a powerful Octomore. Each revealed its own character, and one unexpected winner made the experience a memorable celebration of Islay craftsmanship.
Bruichladdich 2009 bere barley 61.8%
The first dram was a Bruichladdich 2009 at a vibrant 61.8% abv. Signature Bruichladdich style matured in ex-burbon cask since distillation. The essence of this magical place in the glass.
On the Nose: Orange zest and barley sugar lead with a gentle sweetness, joined by palm sugar and warm nutmeg. A swirl of lemon curd and a decadent touch of salted caramel round out the aromatic profile.
Palate: Rich and luxurious—almost chewy in texture. Dense layers of malt sweetness give way to more nutmeg spice, deepening as it coats the tongue.
Finish: Long and resonant. Hints of licorice unfold alongside bittersweet dark chocolate, leaving a warm and elegant afterglow.
Overall: A beautifully textured Bruichladdich that balances citrus brightness with dark, spicy depth. The combination of rich mouthfeel and lingering notes makes it a standout dram and a memorable start to the tasting.
Port Charlotte 2003 54.9%
The peatier version of Bruichladdich. A bit older and at 54.9% abv. Usually around the 40 and 50 ppm.
On the Nose: Classic Port Charlotte smoke leaps out first—think smoky BBQ sauce mingling with sweet tangerine. There’s a curious, almost nostalgic hint of a swimming pool in the background, adding a playful twist.
Palate: Simply remarkable. Thick and waxy with a chewy texture, it unfolds layers of deep peat smoke, a touch of good cough syrup, briny iodine, and pure coastal breeze. A dash of water opens it even further, revealing extra depth and nuance.
Finish: Endlessly lingering. Smoked scamorza cheese and campfire embers trail on and on, leaving a warming, savory memory that refuses to fade.
Overall: A powerhouse Port Charlotte that balances maritime intensity with surprising sweetness and texture. Complex and endlessly evolving with a splash of water—this dram shows the distillery’s peated side at its absolute best.
Octomore 2010 169ppm 61.6%
The final dram of our Bruichladdich warehouse session was a true peat titan: an Octomore 2010, a single cask behemoth peated to a staggering 169 ppm and bottled at 61.6% ABV. It delivered every ounce of the Octomore reputation—intense, elemental, and unforgettable. Given the slightly longer maturation, it was a much more subtle experience.
On the Nose: Soft, smoky fumes drift alongside fragrant coriander and cardamom, with flashes of bright kumquat. A gentle saline edge and that familiar “swimming pool” hint add a subtle coastal dimension.
Palate: Elegant rather than explosive. A touch of acidity meets layers of umami, with whispers of fish sauce beneath the measured peat smoke. Everything feels integrated and poised.
Finish: Gracefully long. Ashes and the smooth tobacco of a Cohiba Robusto cigar linger, touched by a faint, savory note of garlic.
Overall: Far from ferocious, this Octomore is a study in restraint—its powerful peat softened by time into something polished and quietly complex. A sophisticated and unexpectedly subtle finale to an unforgettable Bruichladdich tasting.
Overall
Our January visit to Bruichladdich Distillery was everything we hoped for and more—a true embodiment of the essential turquoise experience. From the vibrant stillhouse to the quiet casks of the warehouse, every moment felt both welcoming and memorable. Each dram we tasted—Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and the surprisingly refined Octomore—offered its own story, and together they captured the adventurous spirit of this remarkable distillery.
A heartfelt thank you to the warm and knowledgeable staff who made the day so special. We’ll certainly return in the off-season again, when Islay’s rugged calm lets you savour the details. If you’re dreaming of a similar journey, consider traveling with Drampath for an experience that blends discovery, great company, and a lineup of whiskies that never stops intriguing. Bruichladdich truly earned our badge of excellence and remains an unmissable stop for anyone seeking Islay at its most captivating.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Bruichladdich 2009 bere barley – 61.8%
- Port Charlotte 2003 – 54.9%
- Octomore 2010 169ppm – 61.6%