Bruichladdich Rare Cask Series 1988

This landmark 1988 vintage has never been re-casked. It has matured over 30 years in Bruichladdich's warehouses in the same wood it was originally filled into – refill bourbon and, unusually, rare refill squat hogsheads. The subtle influence of these refill oak casks has resulted in a delicate and measured relationship between spirit and wood, quietly cultivated over time. It was always understood that this small parcel of casks required no interference, no guiding hand; just a watchful eye and palate to see it through. It is definitive, old, Bourbon-aged Bruichladdich and the very last casks of 1988 vintage, and some of the last available for sale in Canada. Total outturn: 6000 bottles worldwide.

Nose: Hugely floral, sun dried hay, coconut oil, buttercups and primrose. Vanilla fudge, porridge with golden syrup and a sweet citrus tang. Over time the coconut becomes stronger and dried apricot and sherbet come through more. A definitive American oak style, toasted oak and vanilla caramel hold the fruit from the spirit.

Palate: Like liquid velvet laced with coconut and citrus. Honeyed granola, toasted malt and mellow toasted oak take a hold of your palate. A classic Bruichladdich style, elegant and floral at first before allowing the oak to sweep in with pipe tobacco and fudge. A second sip brings some fruit, ripe pineapple, mango and hint of mint.

Finish: The finish shows a little more of the marine element of the maturation. A sea breeze with wood spice and fudge. The toasted oak goes the distance too and seems to bring along a little mango and aniseed to finish.