Bruichladdich Single Cask #2113
Micro Provenance Monbazillac | 62.2% ABV
Score: 8/10
Something special.
TL;DR
Pricey, but an easy event dram to recommend
Knowing Where Bias Lurks
Regardless of your level of experience, one thing that stands out is the impeccable design of some bottles - don’t you think?
Even those who are neither fans of design or of whisky have to admit that whisky bottles often boast some of the most beautiful designs you can imagine. This aesthetic is an art form in itself; crafted to stand out, speak of the brand and differentiate one bottle from another on a retail shelf.
I am particularly fond of the new Bruichladdich bottle design; it is uber-classy and, in many ways, understated. Even without the slightly odd paper jacket that the 18-year-old Bruichladdich bottles wear, the new bottles are a welcome update to the previously recognisable and understated design.
I’m relatively new to whisky, in the sense of being a serious drammer, but Bruichladdich is the distillery that I credit with the proper ignition of my love for whisky. Time for a little disclosure that you should consider weaving into today’s appraisal. I might be biased in favour of them, given my fondness for its eponymous range; in particular - its Port Charlotte offerings and especially everything Octomore-related, but I should also admit that my grandparents grew up there. Oh, and my dog is named Octomore.
One of the things I especially love is that Bruichladdich emphasises the importance of transparency and provenance (dare I say terroir: the combination of natural factors to influence a product, such land, soil, climate, and sunlight) and state the ability to trace, parcel by parcel, different barley varieties from different farms - and even different fields.
There is a wealth of information on this bottle, but two numbers are particularly significant: the cask number and the ABV. The fact that a distillery of this size and repute is running such an extensive experimental single cask program is incredibly positive, in my view, and to be applauded. But most importantly - the product is also superb. If that is down to terroir then it should be embraced. The Bruichladdich micro provenance series is all about experimentation, showcasing how different casks influence the spirit, and that's an ethos that we may all embrace.
The bottle provides details of the bottling, right down to the cask number, the barley type (concerto) and the warehouse where it was stored—talk about provenance. The ABV is high at 62.2%, but don't let that put you off; it doesn't taste as strong as the number suggests.
Review
Bruichladdich Micro Provenance, Single Cask 2113, Monbazillac cask, distilled 25th June 2012, bottled 10th April 2024 (11yo), 62.2% ABV. £106 paid
The cask here is ex-Monbazillac, which, according to Wikipedia, is a sweet white wine produced in and around the village of the same name. It has its own AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) and is located in South West France. It is similar to Sauternes but uses a higher proportion of Muscadelle grapes which, apparently, gives it a unique bouquet.
This a big whisky with lots of character and body, which would be excellent after dinner - or in fact anytime.
This isn’t my first Bruichladdich Micro-Provenance cask, but from those I’ve had I would say that they are all worth the gamble. These are not bottlings you can easily sample before purchasing, and that makes it an expensive gamble for many, but this particular bottle has real depth and the flavours linger long after the liquid is gone.
I love this whisky; three-quarters of the bottle’s contents have disappeared since September, which speaks volumes. It has consistently sat at the front of my shelf.
Score: 8/10
Something special.
TL;DR
Pricey, but an easy event dram to recommend
Nose
The nose is immediately heavy; a selection of dark fruits lead the way - primarily plum, blackberry and cherry. There is a definite sweetness coming from the wine cask which is mixed in with melted butter and a hint of salt.
Palate
The liquid is thick with a maple syrup-like heaviness and intense flavour that hits you quickly and stays on the palate for a considerable time. There is oak, but not old oak— it’s freshly felled and sawn oak. It's smoky and spicy, but without a hint of peat.
There is some sweetness from the Monbazillac cask, but your first impression might be that it was a sherry cask. The dark fruits on the nose follow through into the taste. Despite its cask strength of 62.2%, it does not impart any harsh alcohol and, thankfully, doesn’t leave your mouth dry.
The Dregs
Having had this on the shelf for a few months now I have reached for it often: it is a solid bottling bursting with flavour.
At £106, it is not in everyone’s price bracket, but it is not ridiculous given the scale and single cask experimentation - and the flavour alone makes it worth it in my opinion. I give it an 8/10 and that may seem a punchy rating, but this is squarely within my preferred flavour profile - and I love the experimentation. It is magnificently flavourful and offers something new each time you take a dram. I will be looking out for others in the series.
If you want to try something unique that we may never get the chance to experience again, but with the assurance of it being an exceptional dram - I can heartily recommend you give this a go.
Score: 8/10
Tried this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. CC
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