This landmark 1988 vintage has never been re-casked.

It has matured over 30 years in our warehouses in the same wood it was originally filled into – refill bourbon and, unusually, rare refill squat hogsheads.

The subtle influence of these refill oak casks has resulted in a delicate and measured relationship between spirit and wood, quietly cultivated over time.

It was always understood that this small parcel of casks required no interference, no guiding hand; just a watchful eye and palate to see it through.

It is definitive, old, Bourbon-aged Bruichladdich – some of the last of its kind.

Tasting notes:

Colour – Polished copper.

Nose – Hugely floral, sun dried hay, coconut oil, buttercups and primrose. Vanilla fudge, porridge with golden syrup and a sweet citrus tang. Over time the coconut becomes stronger and dried apricot and sherbet come through more. A definitive American oak style, toasted oak and vanilla caramel hold the fruit from the spirit.

Taste – Like liquid velvet laced with coconut and citrus. Honeyed granola, toasted malt and mellow toasted oak take a hold of your palate. A classic Bruichladdich style, elegant and floral at first before allowing the oak to sweep in with pipe tobacco and fudge. A second sip brings some fruit, ripe pineapple, mango and hint of mint.

Finish – The finish shows a little more of the marine element of the maturation. A sea breeze with wood spice and fudge. The toasted oak goes the distance too and seems to bring along a little mango and aniseed to finish.

Character – One of the great vintages of Bruichladdich, the faith in the right wood and the right time to develop have allowed a superb spirit to show both its natural elegance and its strength of character.