Bruichladdich 1985/32 Bourbon: Hidden Glory

For the last of my Bruichladdich series, I have a sample of their 1985 32-year Hidden Glory. The nose starts with apricot jam, coconut cream, dehydrated figs and dusty leather-bound books then honeysuckle, cocoa powder dusted prunes, cigar wrappers and a sea side rocky minerality followed by caramelized apples, mango purée and grilled pineapple that transitions to candied ginger, cloves and antique polished armchair with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with mango smoothie, toasted coconut, figgy pudding and dusty leather-bound books before a mild bitter spice that quickly fades to honeysuckle, cocoa powder dusted blackberries, freshly lit cigar, hay and a sea side rocky minerality followed by caramelized pears, stewed cherries and grilled pineapple that transitions to candied ginger, cloves and antique polished armchair with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with sautéed apples, freeze dried grapes, vanilla creme brûlée, hay, honeysuckle, sweet pipe tobacco, light ocean brine and antique polished armchair. For a whisky that aged for 32 years, this is a surprisingly fruity and floral dram that the old oak weaves in and out between those creamy fruits to remind you of the age without ever becoming dominant flavor along with mild spices, light ocean minerality and dark berries that is exceptionally balanced but the flavors are thinner than I’d prefer and could use a longer finish.

[LOOK] Blush rosé [NOSE] Plum skins, drying figs, touch of sherry rancio, cerezas negras, wildflower honey, real inviting acidity [PALATE] Honeysuckle explosion balanced by apricot purée, stone fruit juice, honeycomb, and well maintained saddle leather, incredible movement from sweet fruit to acids to supported dry notes of gentle leather and beeswax [FINISH] Sweet, grape-y, medium length, clean, no heat, faint wet stone, Riesling-y, alpine spring water minerals, delightful [MOUTHFEEL] This whiskey sings at such a low proof, never is there a sense that it is out of balance or lacking any essential quality, the acidity is superbly well integrated with the latent fruitiness of the malt, fruit esters, and overall sweetness, devastating to learn there are only 4200 bottles

Outstanding. Has a viscuous mouth feel and notes of honey, chocolate, plums, walnuts, melons, brown sugar, and berries; it is my 2nd favorite Bruichladdich rare cask behind the 1986/30. Nose: Honey, Caramel, Brine, Morello Cherries, Papayas, Cranberries, Raspberries, Blood Oranges, Milk Chocolate, Canteloupes Palate: Honey, Milk Chocolate, Blackcurrants, Raisins, Peach Marmalade, Plums, Dates, Figs, Pineapples, Walnuts, Brown Sugar, Caramel, Treacle, Cloves Finish: Raisins, Walnuts, Toasted Vanilla, Prunes, Cloves, Nutmeg, Licorice, Melons, Caramel, Maple Syrup, Makuna Honey, Cream Cheese, Dark Chocolate, Plum Cakes

Nose: Berry compote, vanilla, demerara, spice. Palate: Vanilla cream, bourbon, oats, stewed berries, honey, and light peat. Finish: Long, smooth, and sweet. Water brightens and brings in more berry and sweetness.

Hints of wine on the nose. Sweet. Hints of coconut. Explosion of fruit. Like drinking honeyed fruit stick. 3rd or 4th fill so more focused on spirit than casks

Love the bourbon influences on this