Memorial Day Tasting: Bruichladdich Rocks
This one I have had my eye on for a while, but I also had a little fear in approaching it. Why? Well, quite simply, it is an Islay scotch that is unpeated. In this day and age, that is a bit unheard of…I am not yet schooled in Islay scotch history.

Their words…
“An innovative single malt created by our head distiller, distilling legend Jim McEwan…this vibrant multi-vintage bottling showcases the remarkable elegance of spirit distilled on our unique Victorian stills.”

My words…
Color: warm walnut and amber, a bit concentrated in intensity.

Nose: the sea, sea salt, algae and a fresh green mint.

Taste without H2O: not very intense, even, warm, plain cream.

Nose with H2O added: wow, what a difference…floral—lots of lilac, so spring- like. A few minutes later, it’s more of roses with a hint of banana.

Taste with H2O: pervasively toasty, warm and grainy (wheat + barley). With some full cream, ice cream.

Finish: Loses some intensity, but still has, after 30ish seconds, a friendly, hanging-around-the-firepit warmth.

Overall…what a treat to try…the Bruichladdich Rocks has a refreshing modernism, a Scotch born from my times, which is…truly…fun. There’s a lot of careful crafting and a honest warmth. It is a new friend…and I want to hang out with this friend quite a bit more.