Bruichladdich DNA MCMLXXXV ‘85/27 - 49.3%

This is the 4th edition from Bruichladdich's DNA series, created as the name suggests to provide a look at the elements that make up the character of the distillery. Distilled in 1985 and aged for 27 years before bottling, hence ‘85/27.

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Pale straw colour, forms a thin line which beads before gradually falling as thick, oily legs

Nose: Lemon citrus, tropical fruit, vanilla pods, sea breeze and a touch of malted milk

Palate: Moderately creamy, with a touch of oiliness in the mouthfeel. Initially spirit forward, tropical fruit, particularly pineapple and ripe banana, hints of Gallia melon, subtle malt, coastal salt and prickly ginger spice

Finish: Long, fruity and lingering, tropical fruit, salted caramel sauce and a touch of oaky astringency

Overall: For a 27 year old whisky this feels remarkably fresh and fruity and also quite spirit-forward. There’s some lovely tropical fruit notes, backed up by lemon citrus and a touch of saltiness. For me, this one only really shows a clue into its age in the finish when a drying woodiness gradually appears

All of the Bruichladdich characteristics are there, made more evident by the exclusive use of ex-bourbon American oak casks. If I’m honest I was hoping for a few more signs of the extended maturation, so I found the freshness a little disappointing.

It’s an expensive bottle, if you can even get your hands on one. It’s interesting to look back at whiskies from before the 1994 closure, but for me the price in this case is more about the age and rarity rather than the whisky itself. It’s good, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to try it, but it’s not one I’d look to buy.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Bruichladdich distillery, follow the link to the company website