Showing posts with label Bruichladdich Waves 7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bruichladdich Waves 7. Show all posts

Bruichladdich Waves Review



Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Brand: Bruichladdich Waves
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: 7 Years
ABV: 46 %
Date: 17/10/2013

Colour: Bright Gold

Nose: Certainly coastal with Peat, Charcoal, Salt, Smoked Salmon and Shell Fish. But at the same time Floral, Fruity and Perfumed with Grass, Heather, Pineapple, Honey, Dried Fruits and Citrus. The spirit is light and refreshing. Unfortunately the young peat causes a bit of a Plastic/TCP off-note that might not be to everyone's liking. After a while in the glass it does get less noticeable.

Taste: Light Delivery with Peat/Charcoal, Salted Bacon, Shell Fish, Ashes, Toffee, Vanilla, Honey, Citrus, Apple, Pineapple, Menthol, light Licorice, Pepper and very light Oak. The Distillery Character is well preserved. 

Finish: Middle-Long and Dry with light Peat/Charcoal, Ashes, Salted Bacon, Shell Fish and Pepper.

I would not advise to add Water to the Waves!

Rating: 83

Nose: 21 - Taste: 20.5 - Finish: 20.5 - Overall: 21


General Remarks: The Bruichladdich distillery is located on the shore of Loch Indaal on the Rhinns of the isle of Islay. It was founded in 1881 by the Harvey Brothers and closed in 1994. In 2000 it was bought by a group of private investors (including Mark Reynier) and the whole distillery was dismantled and reassembled in 2001. It was sold in 2012 to Remy Cointreau. 

Waves was originally intended for the Italian market only and was released in 2008. In the end however it was incorporated in a trilogy with the unpeated Rocks and the peated Peat. Waves, Peat and the earlier expressions Infinity and Links were phased out in the beginning of 2012. Waves matured in Ex-Bourbon casks and was finished on Madeira casks. It was priced around 50 US Dollars in 2012. A less peated NAS version of Waves was also introduced to the market.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: This is a lightly peated Single Malt with a Fresh and Fruity Distillery Character. A Summer Islay as it were that will do just fine as an Aperitif. I can see why it was intended to be marketed in Italy. Not overly complicated but pleasant enough and at 50 US Dollars a good buy.

Jan van den Ende                                                           October 2013