Bruichladdich Laddie Valinch 51 (Shaun Evans)

Nose - Sweet coastal lactic funk, saline, sweet riesling, golden raisins, apple custard/yogurt, apple gummies (w/ water) Same but more vibrant Taste - Lightly drying, bit woody, saline, lactic sweet funk, golden raisins, apple custard, charred cinnamon bitter (w/ water) Less drying, sweet custardy apple, white grape gummies, less cinnamon char Finish - Lightly drying, apple/wood tannic, custard, salt (w/ water) Less tannic/drying/woody, creamy apple custard, salt Score - 94/100 Final Thoughts - This one was quite tasty and much better than the last VDN cask I had. This one is classic laddie with nice sweet white wine notes on the nose, but adds this nice creamy apple custard note to the palate that works incredibly well. One other incredibly surprising aspect to this as well is that this drinks way below the proof. It's a tiny bit hot on the nose and palate, but feels nowhere near the 61.7% it clocks in at. This feels more like low/mid 50s. This truly benefits from a hint of water as it makes the nose pop a bit more and reduces the tannic notes that are present on the palate and finish. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.