Bruichladdich 9 Year Old Single Cask #0639 First Fill Bourbon 700ml

Bruichladdich Micro-Provenance is the single cask program from the Bruichladdich Distillery that we have been part of for over three years now.

For our third cask of that series we revisit our first release and focus on another bourbon cask. Cask number #0639, a first fill bourbon cask laid to rest for 9 years.Distilled from concerto barley on the 18th of February 2013 and bottled on the 14th of February 2023, yes that gives us only 4 more days for us to class it as 10 year old instead of a 9 year old…whisky is ready when whisky is ready.

This bourbon cask is so thick, so full of flavour. Everything with this third cask is just that little bit more than it’s earlier big brother.

The experience begins with a light and crisp nose, offering hints of lemon custard, vanilla, citrus zest, and apple skin. The dark golden colour leads to a palate that opens with a honeyed mouthfeel, relatively thick and silky, featuring honey, caramel, and a sharp, bright oak character. As the palate evolves, notes of chocolate digestive biscuits emerge, complemented by zesty lime and apple puree. The creamy vanilla is met by soft stewed pear, cooked orchard fruits, and biscuity malt. White grapes bring a touch of sweetness, while the finish is round and mouth-coating, with lingering toasted oak, vanilla, toffee, a touch of custard, and a sprinkle of cacao. The finish remains complex and long, with a mineral-rich malt and more honey rounding off the experience.

The Bruichladdich Distillery Micro Provenance casks, often referred to as "MP" casks, are part of a special series of single cask releases from the Bruichladdich Distillery, located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. This series showcases the distillery's experimental spirit and commitment to exploring the nuances of whisky production.

Key Features of the Micro Provenance Casks:

Single Cask Bottlings: Each release in the Micro Provenance series comes from a single cask, which means each bottling offers a unique expression of Bruichladdich's whisky, often highlighting different aspects like cask type, age, or maturation conditions.

Diverse Cask Types: The series includes a wide range of cask types, such as bourbon, sherry, wine, and even more exotic casks, each contributing distinct flavours and aromas to the whisky.

Limited Editions: These are limited releases, often with only a few hundred bottles per cask, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Transparency: Bruichladdich is known for its transparency, and the Micro Provenance series is no exception. Detailed information about the cask, including its fill date, cask type, and bottling date, is usually provided.

Exploration of Terroir: Bruichladdich emphasises the concept of terroir, exploring how different environmental factors and cask influences shape the character of the whisky.

These casks are prized by whisky aficionados for their unique qualities and the insight they provide into the distillery's innovative approach to whisky-making.