In the 1980s Bruichladdich had been working with reduced capacity under Invergordon Distillers, and in 1993 the distillery became part of Whyte and Mackay. They shut the plant down in 1995, leaving it silent until December 2000. Then Mark Reynier and his team of Islay landowners started its revival. The lack of a quality-oriented wood policy led to a period of extensive re-racking and ACE-ing.
What we’re trying today is a whisky distilled in the lacklustre 1970s and 1980s. It is a 1 litre distillery bottling of 17 year old Bruichladdich. I believe they introduced this style of label soon after 1993 but it only lasted for a year or two.
Bruichladdich 17 yo (43%, OB +/- 1993, 1 litre)
Nose: hay, malty sweetness and light tobacco. Some melons and oranges in the background, but it’s never a fruity whisky. Subtle waxy notes (or maybe linseed oil), some toast (but no peat) and old brassware. Whiffs of marzipan in the end. Not very exciting so far.
Mouth: the texture is quite nice, with some syrupy notes despite its modest strength. Light honey and brown sugar, sweetened herbal tea, with vague ripe fruits. Increasingly grainy and herbal towards the end, showing liquorice and a subtle bitter edge too.
Finish: fairly short and malty, on nutmeg, salted caramel and a little cumin.
Yeah well, not much of a discovery. It’s pretty flat and uninspired so there’s mostly a sentimental value. I’m sure they had better bottlings at the time (for Italian importers for instance) but this 17 Year Old didn’t really stand out. Auction material, but also available from The Whisky Exchange.