Bruichladdich Old & Rare 1985 Aged 32 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 43.7%           Age: 32 Years Old        Country: Scotland

Built in 1881 when puffer-supplied coal was available as an alternative fuel to local peat, it is likely that Bruichladdich was specifically designed to produce the purest unpeated spirit possible. The great Alfred Barnard supports this view with a tantalising clue – the Laddie is the only distillery on Islay that he does not describe as drying its malt using peat in his fascinating exploration of the island’s distilleries in 1885. Sadly, none of that 19th century spirit survives, but the original Victorian machinery has allowed an unparalleled legacy of craft distilling to trickle down through the generations of men who make this sophisticated Islay dram. It was in 1994 that the Bruichladdich distillery closed for a significant period of time. No one knew if this modern distillery would reopen its doors and see spirits start to flow through the stills again. A period in the whisky industry that will not be forgotten for years to come.

This was released in 2017 as one of only three bottling’s from Bruichladdich as part of the Rare Cask Series. This outstanding 32 year old single malt whisky was distilled in 1985 and matured in third fill ex-Bourbon American oak barrels. In 2012 then Master Distiller Jim McEwan moved the spirit over to fresh ex-Bourbon casks to mature for another 5 years.In 2017 it was then given another change of barrel, this time finished in French oak for a short period. Only 4200 bottles for worldwide distribution.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Freshly cut oranges and limes, banoffee pie, floral, leatherwood honey, crushed walnuts and coconut.

Palate: Cinnamon and nutmeg, fruity with raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Toffee sweetness, more coconut and vanilla.

Finish: Toffee and vanilla, citrus and peaches.