LAUNCH OF THE NEW BRUICHLADDICH EXPRESSIONS To set the scene. . . . In December last year it was announced that a consortium headed by Murray McDavid had succeeded in raising the money to buy Bruichladdich Distillery from Jim Beam Brands (JBB) - owners since they bought Invergordon Distillers in 1994. Since then the distillery has been closed except for one small period of distilling in 1998. Bruichladdich is the seventh Islay Distillery and the only closed one that had any possibility of working again. Ask any of the islanders what is their favourite dram and the majority will tell you Bruichladdich. It is very good news that she (he? it?) is working again. Pictured above, in our shop in February, are the new board executives, Simon Coughlin and Mark Reynier (together the London wine merchants 'La Reserve'), Gordon Wright who with Simon & Mark are 'Murray McDavid'. Jim McEwan and Andrew Gray. The appearance of Jim McEwan in this photograph was a particular surprise to the whisky industry as his entire working life had been devoted to Bowmore, why he should give up his secure position was a mystery to those who do not know him. For those who do know Jim it is unsurprising that he would jump at the chance to participate in the revival of this great Islay Distillery. Jim's article for SWR15 is here. There's some pictures from the reopening of the Distillery here Since February, Jim has been clambering about the stocks that the new owners acquired in the purchase, selecting about 150 casks of each of three ages 10, 15 & 20yo, preparing the style for bottling. The Launch, Glasgow, September 5th, 2001 A small party had been assembled in Glasgow for the presentation of the three 'new' whiskies. Before we were allowed to tuck in, Mark Reynier described the trials and tribulations of 1), Persuading JBB to sell the distillery. 2), Getting the bank to agree the finance. 3), Organising a group of investors to make up the difference demanded by the bank, and 4) Getting the bank to put its money where its mouth had been a few weeks earlier! Mark emphasised that JBB had been very helpful once they had decided to sell but the Bank of Scotland were not. Jim McEwan however, just wanted to get stuck into his new babies! On to the whiskies. Jim described how he had enjoyed himself clambering about the barrels in the warehouses selecting those that would be bottled. He told us how the whisky was transported to the bottling hall with him following in his car and then another tanker of Islay spring water would follow, the casks for each expression were reduced to 46%alc. using this local water and then, also in the Murray McDavid style, not chill-filtered nor colour corrected using caramel. This combination of bottling strength, preparation and presentation ensures a full mouthfilling experience of the authentic product. We were also advised that these bottlings would not be consistent in character only quality, the next bottling, which would be recorded on the label will not necessarily be of the same style. By way of explanation of his joining the company Jim considered that "we all need to leave our mark on this world - and this is my chance". "I wanted to produce three distinct, different styles, each age shows a unique personality and contrast of flavour. The ten year old is light and fresh, the fifteen more complex and the 20 a unique mellow digestive. These characteristics will show through in each Edition, but there will be no standardisation of either style or colour. The types of casks selected will distinguish each bottling". The new range sports a novel livery of heavy decanter bottle with embossed [LFW inspired] brushed metal tin. 10 years old 46%alc. The ten year old is made up of 3 in 5 refill sherry butts but as they have been filled twice the influence is from the wood not the wine. COLOUR - mellow yellow. BODY - Light fresh and full of vitality, simply bursts from the glass. NOSE - Assertive, youthful bouquet with lots of honeysuckle, myrtle, green apple, soft pear, green grapes, garden mint, warm dry hay and oak shavings, plus a sparkle of salt and crushed sea shells. No heavy peat reek to mask its zest. PALATE - Simple and succulent with sweet flavours of home made fudge, toasted salt and mead. This is followed by fresh citrus fruits, tangerine and orange, with a zip of sherbet and a fresh ozone breeze to cool the fire of youth. FINISH - Like a Scottish Reel it is full of action. Takes your breath away. N.B. These are their (Bruichladdich's) tasting notes. LFW notes will be posted at this link - once this bloody cold has cleared up. You can also buy the 10yo here. So we tasted the ten year old in silence. And the swots amongst us recorded our thoughts. 15 years old 46%alc. One cask in six that goes into the fifteen year old is a new sherry cask, this apparently small ratio has produced a dramatic sherry style. COLOUR - Warm honey / golden syrup. BODY - Medium weight, the texture is smooth but powerful. NOSE - Distinctive and intriguing, it opens slowly, then picks up beautiful aromas of fresh flowers, heather and yellow gorse. Wait a little and you will find fudge, creme brule, dried banana and a snap of sherry. PALATE - A real honest old style whisky flavour is immediately apparent. Lots of sweet malt, digestive biscuits, butterscotch, tropical fruit. Lashings of oak and a sprinkle of sea spray and dry seaweed remind you of its 15 years maturing by the ocean. Islay without the hammer. Full of style and sophistication. FINISH - It lingers gently on the palate. N.B. These are their (Bruichladdich's) tasting notes. LFW notes will be posted at this link - once this bloody cold has cleared up. You can also buy the 15yo here. By now we were enjoying ourselves, the discussion getting a little more 'pro-active'. 20 years old 46%alc. There is no European oak in the 20yo, it is entirely sourced from ex bourbon wood. COLOUR - Ripe golden barley. BODY - Full and with a subtle mellow richness. The texture is rich and satiny yet retains the freshness of the Islay air. NOSE - Melon balls in honey, lemon meringue, fresh apricot and kiwi. The oak fragrance unfolds beautifully. PALATE - Generous with waves of sweet oak and barley sugar. Gentle warmth fills the chest and brings a flash of colour to the cheeks. Graceful, balanced, vivacious. The island distiller's skill and patience, so often overlooked, can be truly appreciated in this outstanding Celtic spirit. FINISH - Silky smooth with zesty sea notes leaving a sprinkle of salt on the lips and palate. Unmistakable Islay with warm mellowness lasting and delicious. N.B. These are their (Bruichladdich's) tasting notes. LFW notes will be posted at this link - once this bloody cold has cleared up. You can also buy the 20yo here. By now even the swot's tasting notes were getting sloppy.