In a world where everybody is trying their hand at making “craft” spirits, there are a few that really stand out from the pack. The folks at Bruichladdich Distillery, which has been around on the famed island of Islay since 1881, are one of them. These are the same folks behind Botanist gin, and their Scotch is just as good. Their Classic Laddie is definitely unique among the world of Islay whiskeys – an unpeated single malt distilled from 100% Scottish barley right on some of their authentic Victorian-era machinery.
Scotch whiskey can usually be split into two categories: peated and unpeated. Another way to describe that would be as smoky or not smokey, as it’s the drying of the peat over a fire that gives Scotch that signature smokey flavor. As Classic Laddie is unpeated, you won’t find much smokiness here; instead, the smoothness of the It’s trickle-distilled, and then aged in American oak by the shores of Loch Indaal, right on the isle of Islay. The result is an ultra-smooth whiskey with the Scottish barley’s signature salt-citrus tang. Classic Laddie is a multi-vintage cuvee, which means it’s carefully created some certain select tasks. They never chill-filter their whiskies, in order to retain all the natural oils that gives the whiskey it’s strong, natural flavor.
At 50% alcohol, Bruichladdich Classic Laddie a strong spirit that still allows the the smooth, slightly twangy flavor shine through, and being unpeated means it stands out a bit from the majority of other Scotch’s. Perfect for a night by the fire, unwinding with some relaxing tunes on the record player.
