Bruichladdich Laddie Valinch No53 Fiona Glover

COE Cask 1344 Nose - (w/o water) Pressed apple juice, light caramel, baked apple crisp (w/ water) Pressed fresh apple juice, more baked apple, barrel aged dark apple cider Taste - (w/o water) Quite hot, baked apples, apple juice, fresh pressed ginger juice heat, baked apple crisp spice (w/ water) Muted heat, same flavors as without water but more balanced Finish - (w/o water) Lingering heat, baked apples, light metallic vibe, heat/tingle is like you took a bite of fresh out of the oven baked apple crisp & you just did the hoowahhoof thing (w/ water) Less heat, more drying, baked apples Score - 91/100 Final Thoughts - This was quite an interesting dram in that it was much much better than the Bourbon/Calvados Micro-Provenance bottle I personally have. This one was much more balanced with a much better, cleaner, more refreshing apple vibe to it. It was a bit on the desserty side, but not crazy sweet. I'm not sure if this was a finish or a full maturation, but this was quite good. 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.

Nose: malty, briny, clean and a bit sweet. Like the classic laddie on steroids. Taste : a bit unbalanced and harsh on arrival, sweetness comes in During the long and mildly unpleasant finish. With water the grapes leap out and assault your nose and taste buds. Kind of like a fortified wine mixed with scotch. I don’t thing this experiment worked. The nose is actually very intriguing but it isn’t at all well integrated on the palate.