Bruichladdich 6 Year Old 2007 Islay Barley

I first tasted this Laddie at the Spirits in the Sky festival in Belgium. It was distilled from unpeated Islay malt, grown on the Rockside Farm and matured on American oak. It was cut to 50% using Islay water.

The nose is fairly sweet and young on hay, juniper berries and honey. A floral touch makes me think of heather. Cinnamon is the spice on the battlements, that was sprinkled generously on melon, pineapple and Doyenné pear. Blind, I might have thought this was a creamy gin. Pinch of salt. Hint of guimauve. For such a young animal, this is quite complex.

Robust attack with clear hints of sweet malt, white and yellow fruit and a wonderful salty edge. Well-seasoned too, making it slightly prickly on the palate. Vanilla, heather, honey, everything returns. Midpalate, the oak rears its head.

Fairly long finish, that fades very slowly due to its spiciness.

Yes, I am impressed.

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