With a wee debate between our Whisky Ladies host and I, we decided to start our Bruichladdich Peat Progression evening with the Classic Laddie. We were both familiar with this whisky and thought it a rather enjoyable way to kick off our evening!

What did the Whisky Ladies think?

The Classic Laddie 50%

• Nose – Fresh grass, wild flowers, light honey, sweet green grape, a light liquorice, freshly desiccated coconut, some sweet vanilla, sweet citrus zest
• Palate – Light spice of the Christmas sweet spices variety but with a light touch, a sense of being quite ‘crisp’ fresh and inviting
• Finish – Very warm and sweet
• Water – Brings out more of the malt, sweeter, some found it became a bit bolder, greater focus whereas for others adding a few drops did very little to change its character

What was interesting is that it smells lighter than it tastes – one described it as being like having a ‘Hot rum toddy without the rum!’

Overall it was simply a terrific start to our evening and clearly one of those whiskies that is far too easy to drink.

Would we consider it a classic? Yes! And the kind of whisky you want to keep in your cabinet to bring out for a social evening with friends who appreciate a good dram. A nice sunshine summer dram!

What do the folks over at Bruichladdich have to say?

• Character – Smooth as pebbles in a pool. It’s clean, fresh and lively with both the oak and the grain in perfect harmony.
• Colour – Sunlight on fields of early summer barley
• Nose – The bouquet is brilliant. Opening with barley sugar and a hint of mint before leading into the most wonderful notes of freshly cut wild flowers; buttercup, daisy, meadowsweet, myrtle, primrose and cherry blossom. The cleanliness of the spirit is remarkable. As the seconds tick by, more aromas rise from the glass, little zephyrs of spindrift and sea pinks reminding you that this spirit is matured exclusively by the sea. After some four or five minutes and with the addition of a little water, caramelisd fruits drift onto the scene; lemon drops and honey, tangerine and tablet
• Palate – The palate entry is so refined and refreshing, the sweet oak and the barley arriving together sending the taste buds into raptures. The fruits from distillation drift in on an Atlantic breeze and pop on the tongue like champagne bubbles. A combination of ripe green fruit, brown sugar and sweet malt bring closure. A taste back in time, a realisation that not all single malts are equal and to achieve the absolute optimum, you must use barley that is made in Scotland. Make this one the benchmark for all others you meet on your journey through the stills of Scotland.
• Finish – Unforgettable! Its best enjoyed in good company, you just don’t want the evening to end. It brings warmth to the heart and soul. The clock slows down and the cares of tomorrow disappear into the dawn. .
• Mood – Conviviality! Relaxed, enjoying the spirit in the glass and the laughter from tales often told but never tired of hearing.

Our Bruichladdich Peat Progression evenings also featured:

• No Peat – The Laddie Eight 50%
• No Peat – Bere Barley 2008 50%
• Heavy Peat – Port Charlotte 2007 CC:01 8 years 57.8%
• Heavy Peat – Port Charlotte 12 Oileanach Furachail 58.7%
• Insanely Heavy Peat – Octomore 07.2 5 years 208 PPM 58.5%
• Insanely Heavy Peat – Octomore 07.1 5 years 208 PPM 59.5%

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