Bruichladdich was closed between 1994 and 2000 except for June and July, 1998. These two whiskies were distilled during that time. Both whiskies were made the same way except that they were aged in different sherry casks: one in oloroso sherry; the other in manzanilla sherry. Both are nicely done and entertaining whiskies for only about ten years of aging.
Bruichladdich Sherry Edition (Manzanilla), 1998 vintage, 46%, $100
The freshest of the two, with appetizing brine, honey, lemon rock candy, golden raisin and peach. Subtle ginger, toasted marshmallow, and coconut round out the palate. Very bright and lively.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 87
Bruichladdich Sherry Edition (Oloroso), 1998 vintage, 46%, $100
Less appetizing brine and zing, and showing more “weight” when compared to its sibling. Sweeter notes of toffee, fig, and vanilla fudge lay the foundation for mixed nuts, black raspberry, plum, nectarine, and ripe red grape. A soothing dram.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 86
Have you sampled the Bruichladdich 12 (1994) and 18 (1989) – finished in Carmel (Israel) kosher wine casks? As far as I know they are presently in the NY metro area, and coming to the Midwest in a month or so. Any tasting notes/impressions, and any information as to what type of wine was previously held in the finishing cask(s)?
I can’t wait to try these two. For me it’s going to be interesting to nose and taste for myself the differences between two different types of Sherry cask. Of course the Sherries taste different. The thing I find interesting is that most whisky that is aged or finished in Sherry butts usually doesn’t specify the type of Sherry, at least not out front. Sherry is used generically, as though there was only one kind.
Most of the time you can tell the whisky was aged in Sherry butts just by looking at the color of the whisky. But being at the level of hearing (or seeing) that Sherry was involved in the aging of the whisky, and then being able to ask or wonder: “What kind of Sherry?” is a whole new level of subtlety and awareness (speaking for myself). I appreciate that they are releasing this pair of whiskies so I can learn more about how different types of Sherry will cause different flavors to emerge.
http://bruichladdichblog.wordpress.com/
[...] read John’s nosing/tasting notes: There seems to be little in common between the two whiskies. It seems obvious to me that whisky [...]
[...] ‘Sherry’ Editions John Hansell on the ever-excellent Malt Advocate blog offers reviews of two Bruichladdich expressi… – one Olorosso and the other Manzanilla (we’ve written about these [...]
DavidG: I don’t recall getting review samples of those. There are so many Laddie whiskies that come out…I’ll dig around my sample room. If I have them, I’ll taste them and let you know my thoughts.
Thomas, I enjoy sherry and even traveled to Jerez, Spain just to tour sherry producers. There’s a clear difference between oloroso and manzanilla sherry and they show themselves nicely in these two Laddie expressions. I suppose what I liked most about these two whiskies was the quality of the whisky. They’re both really nice–especially for their age.
[...] Die Bruichladdich-Destillerie war von 1994 bis 2000 geschlossen ? außer im Juni und Juli 1998. Zwei der in dieser Zeit destillierten Whiskies sind jetzt auf den Markt gekommen. Sie wurden auf die gleiche Weise produziert und anschließend in verschiedenen Sherry-Fässern gelagert: Der eine in Oloroso-Sherry-, der andere in Manzanilla-Sherry-Fässern. John Hansell vom Malt Advocate hat sie beide probiert: Review: Bruichladdich “Sherry Editions” [...]
David G.: The Kosher Series from Bruichladdich featured the 1994 and 1989 aged in American Oak and then ACE’d in Carmel Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon casks/
Sorry you didn’t get to sample them John. We have already sold out of the 1994, but there is some of the 1989 remaining.
Thanks Scott for the update. I really enjoyed the Sherry Editions. (It’s a good thing that the previous owners decided to crank up those stills during that brief time in 1998.)