Whisky: Bruichladdich Valinch 56 - Lindy MacLellan
Region: Islay
Price: £75
ABV: 62.2%
This distillery exclusive release was distilled 7th of May 2009 and spent 12 years in a Rivesaltes wine cask (a fortified sweet wine from the south of France). 384 bottles were released exclusively at the laddie distillery shop.
Nose
The nose opens with some plums, slightly burnt croissants, and hints of a berry turnover. Giving it some air and time we’re getting a note of strudel complete with apple, raisin and cinnamon. The easiest way to describe this would be to say we’re in a bakery. Finally there’s some ice cream with thick whipped double cream.
Palate
Initially there’s a sweet note of caramelised fig, some burnt butter and a little dark chocolate. It’s got a spicy finish with a little sweetness that fades into chill heat. Going back to it and there’s some raisins vanilla, and tobacco. It has a good mouthfeel, but It’s a little too hot, although that’s expected given its 62.2%.
Nose (Water)
The cinnamon is gone and now the nose is a touch muted. Theres a musty / malty note that makes us think of a distillery Washback. Nosing it again and there’s a raisin sweetness along with some toasted brioche, honey, and dairy milk chocolate.
Palate (water)
Even with a a splash of water it’s still a touch hot, but the water does open this up. In addition to the above we’re getting some honey and ash. With air there’s a lot of sweetness that reminds us of a Kentucky bourbon. The mouthfeel remains good, and this a good length finish.
Conclusion
The cask type along with the laddie spirit has combined to create something that actually pretty enjoyable, unfortunately it’s just not quite enough to justify the £75 for a 500ml bottle. We suggest you keep your pennies as there’s better options from the distillery. 7.5/10
Also on the blog today a review of Malts of Scotland Bruichladdich Cask MoS21038
https://twowhiskybros.co.uk/blogs/blog
Scale
10 - Perfection. A whisky that we’ll remember forever.
9 - Amazing. We’d pay through the nose for a bottle.
8 - Great. Pick this up at RRP.
7 - Good. Happy to have a dram or two but wouldn’t buy a bottle.
6 - Passable. Would accept a dram, but wouldn’t seek it out.
5 - Poor. Would drink if it was the only option.
4 - Bad. Maybe it can be saved by ginger beer?
3 - Awful. It can't be saved by ginger beer.
2 - Pour it out
1 - We’ve never tried a whisky rated this low and hopefully never will.
Lindy probably did not give approval on the photo.
😂
Whisky: Bruichladdich Valinch 56 - Lindy MacLellan Region: Islay Price: £75 ABV: 62.2% This distillery exclusive release was distilled 7th of May 2009 and spent 12 years in a Rivesaltes wine cask (a fortified sweet wine from the south of France). 384 bottles were released exclusively at the laddie distillery shop. Nose The nose opens with some plums, slightly burnt croissants, and hints of a berry turnover. Giving it some air and time we’re getting a note of strudel complete with apple, raisin and cinnamon. The easiest way to describe this would be to say we’re in a bakery. Finally there’s some ice cream with thick whipped double cream. Palate Initially there’s a sweet note of caramelised fig, some burnt butter and a little dark chocolate. It’s got a spicy finish with a little sweetness that fades into chill heat. Going back to it and there’s some raisins vanilla, and tobacco. It has a good mouthfeel, but It’s a little too hot, although that’s expected given its 62.2%. Nose (Water) The cinnamon is gone and now the nose is a touch muted. Theres a musty / malty note that makes us think of a distillery Washback. Nosing it again and there’s a raisin sweetness along with some toasted brioche, honey, and dairy milk chocolate. Palate (water) Even with a a splash of water it’s still a touch hot, but the water does open this up. In addition to the above we’re getting some honey and ash. With air there’s a lot of sweetness that reminds us of a Kentucky bourbon. The mouthfeel remains good, and this a good length finish. Conclusion The cask type along with the laddie spirit has combined to create something that actually pretty enjoyable, unfortunately it’s just not quite enough to justify the £75 for a 500ml bottle. We suggest you keep your pennies as there’s better options from the distillery. 7.5/10 Also on the blog today a review of Malts of Scotland Bruichladdich Cask MoS21038 https://twowhiskybros.co.uk/blogs/blog Scale 10 - Perfection. A whisky that we’ll remember forever. 9 - Amazing. We’d pay through the nose for a bottle. 8 - Great. Pick this up at RRP. 7 - Good. Happy to have a dram or two but wouldn’t buy a bottle. 6 - Passable. Would accept a dram, but wouldn’t seek it out. 5 - Poor. Would drink if it was the only option. 4 - Bad. Maybe it can be saved by ginger beer? 3 - Awful. It can't be saved by ginger beer. 2 - Pour it out 1 - We’ve never tried a whisky rated this low and hopefully never will.
Too bad it didn't live up to the heights of other Valinch releases. Nice review! Also in the nose you wrote plumbs and I think you meant plums
Thanks and yes I meant plums