Bruichladdich 14 Year old Links The Old Course, St. Andrews — 17th Hole

The Links series of Bruichladdich expressions promulgates the art of Graeme W. Baxter (www.baxtergolfart.com), ostensibly the world’s ‘leading golf course artist.’ There might not be much competition in this category, but Baxter’s work is quite fetching nonetheless. I can say much the same for this 14 year-old whisky.

In the summer, I happened upon a sample bottle of The Old Course, St. Andrews — 17th Hole expression. This dram has turned out to be too wee for me; I wish I had found a full bottle.

The nose is instantly chewy and rich with toffee. There are then raisins, licorice, apricots, lemons, mangos, and honey. It is lightly sulphured, but of the quite pleasant “struck match” variety.

The palate is likewise richly sherried, with toffee (a coffeed sort, at that), dates, and strawberry jam. It is spicy and a touch resinous. Raisins flesh out the finish.

For those who like the A’bunadh and Glenfarclas.

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