Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2005 Claxton's

Bruichladdich on a Rioja wine cask… that sounds interesting. La Rioja is one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions. And while they do make white and rosé wines, Rioja is mostly known for its reds, created primarily from the Tempranillo grape, followed closely by the Garnacha. I do like my crianza or reserve (or even grand reserva) from time to time, but to mature Bruichladdich scotch on such a cask. We’ll find out right now with this bottling from Claxton’s. The malt has an amber color with a treacherous pink sheen.

The nose is very fatty and farmy on cow stable – both straw and manure. Then some salted farmer’s butter, Roquefort (the blue cheese), raw steak and a hint of matchsticks. Only after breathing for a while (at least three minutes) some sweetness emerges, which reminds me of blueberries. I have to say: I am not (yet) a fan.

Good body and nice spiciness. Think chili peppers, nutmeg and cloves. Some liquorice. A lot sweeter than the nose with raspberries and blueberries, hints of strawberries and a single cherry. Some chewing tobacco. No, make that beef jerky. A touch of sulpher, honesty demands me to reveal. A handful of nuts.

The finish is medium long on more of the same. Spicy until the death with a surprising uppercut of sweetness at the last moment.

While this is certainly an atypical (and hence, to me, interesting) Laddie, I cannot say that I like it much. Can still be found for around 90 EUR, which I find a bit steep for an 11 year old Laddie…

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