Bruichladdich has recently released the Second Edition of their 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt. Bottled at 46% ABV and without any colouring or chill-filtering, Master Distiller Jim McEwan has succeeded at producing a traditional, gracefully balanced as well as lightly peated Islay whisky. This expression has been fully aged in quality ex-bourbon casks, hand selected by Mr. McEwan.Nose: A hint of smoke and vanilla combines with green apples and pears to provide a subtle yet layered nose which I'd recommend the reader let sit in a covered glass for some time to allow this whisky to develop to its full potential. Adding water brings out the Islay qualities - damp leaves, a hint of seaweed and as one would expect, peat.
Palate: Lemon zest is strong here. Oak flavours not unlike a well-aged bourbon mingle quite well with layered sour apples, sweet barley, butter cream and clover. Try adding water to this dram; while you won't get much of anything new on the nose or palate, it opens up the existing flavours further, as well as adds a touch of smoke.
Finish: The peat punch comes late, but better late than never. On the finish, one is hit with seaweed, iodine, sea salt and mustiness before being left with a lingering oak and vanilla.
Overall: This is a great introduction to the Islay style. While I wouldn't mind a touch more peat, it does have all the flavours one expects of Islay, albeit in minute amounts. As a one-off Bruichladdich release, I'd recommend stopping by an LCBO that still has stock and obtaining a bottle while you still can. If you're looking for a more heavily peated Bruichladdich, I'd recommend the even more limited Port Charlotte An Turas Mor.
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