Bruichladdich Cuvée 407 46% NV

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (86)

This one was finished in some Pedro Ximenez casks. The nickname is ‘La Noche Bocca Arriba’. Probably not Gaelic ;-). Colour: full gold with copper hues. Nose: greatest of news, it’s not a heavy, fruitcaky, PX-ed whisky although one can feel it’s more or less the same whisky as the 22 with an added (thin) layer of figs and sultanas. As often, the wine also added a leafiness that’s not obligatorily a must in this context. Also discreet whiffs of wisteria blossom. Let’s see what happens on the palate… Mouth: the PX is louder and this is some kind of ultra-fortified Banyuls or Rivesaltes or, well, sweet sherry indeed. Bags and bags and bags of sultanas in sync with a little tobacco and unexpected notes of bay leaves. Good body. Finish: rather long this time, grassier than the others. No more raisins, rather a lot of green tea (sugared) and quince jelly. Comments: a good cuvee. The whisky mustn’t be very young, there’s good maturity.

BOW (89)

Tasting Notes by Jim McEwan, head distiller;

Character: Round and well balanced, it is tranquillity in a glass. The texture is warm and delectable, captivating the taste buds with the richness of its flavours. Paradisal.

Colour: soleo sunshine

Nose: Stunning opening on notes of sultanas dusted with dark chocolate powder and this develops further as the Spanish influence takes centre stage bringing sunshine & life to the party with a fruit tapas of prune, dates, dark raisins & black cherries dipped in marmelade. PX is performing like a Spanish dancer, full of pride and passion, confident as the rising aromatics dazzle the senses.

Palate: Slowly the freshness of an Islay breeze arrives & mingles with the dark fruits creating air pockets that allow you to experience an incredible coming together of cultures. The citrus zestiness of Islay's storm lashed moorland character invites the Spanish party onto a new stage and it becomes an olfactory orchestration which opens the curtain for the softer green fruits of distillation. The coconut-vanilla toffee flavours of Kentucky plus the crisp sweetness of Scottisch barley together arouse the soul & calm the fears. Three nations given time together have provided a spirit that leaves no Single Malt desires unfulfilled.Finish: After twenty-one years in two different oaks the mellowness of the spirit is spectacular. It's a classic old style Bruichladdich: handmade,
Islay matured and in a wonderful twist the Sherry emerges leaving you with that feeling of having experienced something unforgettable and rare.Mood: A whisky for when the air is redolent of old leather,
Cuban tobacco and cedar wood.