Agave Spirits+ Journey

In my recent post, “Brief Reflections on Exploring Whiskies: The Road So Far,” I made mention of a cadre of whiskies of all types that I refer to as “Milestone Whiskies,” that is, whiskies that have fundamentally changed my perspective of (and taught me) the depth and breadth of what whisky can be. This is no small feat for a devoted agave spirits acolyte like myself.

This is the first in a series of brief posts highlighting some of these “Milestone Whiskies” reflecting on why and how they’ve changed my perspective on the vast and diverse world/s of whiskies.

Bruichladdich distillery’s The Classic Laddie Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is unpeated and a batched product made up of an ever-changing blend of different barrel-aged and cask-finished scotches. It was recommended to me by a scotch lover who suggested it as a good introduction to the Islay style, albeit without peat. It was not my first (or second) scotch – the former was The Glenlivet 14 Year.

The specific batch is 24/011.

What I love about this batch of The Classic Laddie is the burst of sweet malt and orchard fruits mixed with citrusy mint, salinity reminiscent of a winter sea breeze on the beach, vegetal notes, caramel/dark caramelized sugar with a drizzle of honey, vanilla, nuttiness, black pepper, and oak notes including some tannin bitterness – the whisky is simultaneously sweet, savory, creamy, and salty. It is both gentle and, at time, sharp in its aromas & flavors.

I’ve since purchased two reserve bottles of batch 24/011 and a newer batch of The Classic Laddie that I look forward to comparing. Aside from the distillate itself, the bottle and cork topper design, as well as the tin older batches used to come in, are all top-notch. The Classic Laddie is an enthusiastic recommend from me.

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