^ Bruichladdich Cask-2002-#503 Distillery: BruichladdichRegion: IslayAge: 19 yearsDistillation Date: 15th July 2002Cask type: First Fill Ex-BourbonPeated?: NoRe-gauge ABV: 52.4%Re-gauged Litres of Alcohol (RLA): 78.1 litresNew Bulk Litres: 148.0 litres Re-gauge Date: 24th May 2022Bottles: 211 Cask Number: 503Stored at the Bruichladdich DistilleryA Zesty First Fill Ex-Bourbon Cask From the Considerate Islay DistilleryCask descriptionWoodBruichladdich source their ex-bourbon casks from Jack Daniels, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam or Old Grandad, so we can say with certainty that this wood came from one of these American distilleries. Quercus alba (white oak), commonly known as American oak, is the type of wood maturing Bruichladdichs spirit, and on this occasion it is a first fill cask bourbon cask which normally displays vanilla, butterscotch and tropical fruit notes."This type of cask matures whisky at a good, consistent pace; contributes sweetness, creaminess and spice flavours; while also leaving more room for the distillate to express its character than you get with virgin oak.- Jane Carswell (Bruichladdich 2020)The SpiritBruichladdich is a unique example of a distillery which still uses traditional methods in the majority of their whisky production. There are no computers used in the distilling process and it uses the largest mash tun in the industry, which dates back to the distillery opening in 1881.The MastersJim McEwan, who began his career in whisky in 1963 as an apprentice cooper at Bowmore distillery, and has over 50 years experience in the whisky industry, is likely to have overseen the filling of this cask. During his tenure as distillery manager, he was instrumental in the reopening of Bruichladdich after the distillery was mothballed in the 1990s and since has also been a pioneer of barley experimentation. Included in his long list of achievements is his creation of the most heavily peated spirit to run off a Scottish still (Octomore), which released in April 2008 and now is a consistent release from Bruichladdich.The HistoryBruichladdich are also making history in the present, their drive for a more sustainable process has seen them become the first Scotch whisky distillery to be a certified B Corporation. When asked if Bruichladdich are protective about the fact they are the only distillery to boast this credential, brand ambassador Abi Clephame noted that is absolutely the opposite of the point of this community and we are a community and its about growing that and using our business to have meaningful impact.Expressions of aged Bruichladdich in ex-bourbon barrels similar to this have enjoyed incredible success and popularity; for example, several of the Black Art releases can trace their roots back to ex-bourbon casks similar to the one here at auction.Tasting notesNose: Banana and Ulmo blossom honey lavished over oatcakes, macadamia nuts and honeycomb toffee develop.Palate: Remarkably fresh and zesty. Pear and fresh grass give way to a pleasant and lasting custard undertone. Smooth and softly sweet. Damson emerges in the mid-palate.Finish: The rich waxy mouthfeel gives an early warning for the lusciously long finish, filled with blackcurrant conserve and gentle tannin. Superbly well balanced and wanes into a gentle mixed spice and vanilla extract finale.Buyers note: We cannot offer a photo of this cask due to the regulations on Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations that are imposed in the warehouse.。
