Bruichladdich 23 years 1990 Signatory Vintage Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Bruichladdich Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: September 26, 1990.
Bottling Date: January 9, 2014.
Age Statement: 23 years.
ABV: 55.9%.
Maturation: Matured in a refill sherry butt.
Color: Dark amber, not artificially colored.
Clarity: Chill-filtered.
Bottle Design: Features a small label, emphasizing visibility of the whisky's color.

Nose: Alcohol presence, spiciness, intense oak, eucalyptus, anise, very faint dark fruits (raisins, sultanas) without sweetness.
Palate: Begins light with a hint of sweetness, quickly overtaken by spiciness, bitterness, and flavors of dark chocolate. The sweetness is minimal, with a strong oak influence and tannins from the cask.
Finish: Long-lasting, with a heavy and strong presence of oak and spice.

This whisky is from a time before Bruichladdich was closed by its American parent company in 1994, making casks from this era very rare. The distillery was later sold to Rémy Cointreau in 2013, which shifted the portfolio away from very old whiskies. This bottle, therefore, represents a rare piece of Bruichladdich's history.

Bruichladdich is known for its innovative and artisanal approach to whisky making, located on the Isle of Islay, a region famous for its peated whiskies. However, this particular expression showcases the distillery's versatility with a focus on the influence of sherry cask maturation.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "not easy drinking" and emphasizes its strength and intensity. He notes the absence of typical sherry cask flavors like vanilla, toffee, and caramel, attributing the dominant flavors to the oak and the original sherry maturation.

Bruichladdich 23 years 1990 Signatory Vintage is a rare single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2014 by independent bottler Signatory Vintage.
Matured in a refill sherry butt, it presents a dark amber color and a flavor profile dominated by oak, spice, and a hint of dark chocolate, with minimal sweetness.
This whisky represents a unique piece of Bruichladdich's history, offering a glimpse into the distillery's past before its closure in 1994 and subsequent shift in portfolio under new ownership.
The whisky is described as intense and not for easy drinking, with a strong character that demands attention and respect.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: This rare and historical expression offers a unique tasting experience, especially for those interested in the evolution of Bruichladdich's portfolio.
For the Adventurous Drinker: Individuals looking to explore the complexities of cask strength, non-traditional sherry matured whiskies will find this expression intriguing.
Not Recommended for Beginners: Due to its high ABV and intense flavor profile, this whisky might be overwhelming for those new to whisky tasting.