In the revamped “Classic” range (non-peated) from Bruichladdich, there are three versions with an age statement: The Laddie Ten, The Laddie Sixteen and The Laddie Twenty Two.

The Laddie Sixteen has been matured in American white oak casks, made from wood harvested in the Ozark Mountains (Missouri).

Bruichladdich 16 yo ‘The Laddie Sixteen’ (46%, OB 2012)

Nose: pure and focused. Medium sweet melon, peach and gooseberries, with a drier, more coastal side at the other end. Lemon balm and wax. Quite some dried flowers. Hints of ginger and vanilla. Crisp. Mouth: more on the mineral side now, with a dollop of seawater. The barley sugars and vanilla biscuits are still there, but vaguely in the background. Lemon zest. More oak as well, fresh oak shavings (a little too obvious for my taste), grassy notes, pepper and ginger. Finish: rather long, dry with a distinct oaky edge and ginger.

A clean Bruichladdich, in line with the Laddie Ten. In the end though I don’t see a particular reason to prefer this one over its younger brother, which is a tad more vibrant and has less wood on the palate. Priced between € 55 and € 75 – be sure to look around.

Score: 84/100