Bruichladdich Crew Tasting Set Valinch 62-64 (30ml x 3)

Bruichladdich Crew Tasting Set Valinch 62-64 (30ml x 3)

The Bruichladdich Crew Valinch series is the ultimate "distillery-only" treasure. These bottles are traditionally hand-drawn from the cask by visitors at the distillery in Islay, named after the "Crew" members who keep the distillery running.

Tasting Notes

Bruichladdich 62 – "The Heart of the Islay" Cask Type: Second-Fill Sherry Butt

Nose: Opens with the classic Bruichladdich floral elegance, quickly followed by notes of dried apricots, honeyed walnuts, and a touch of leather. There is a soft hint of sea spray and lemon zest lurking in the background.

Palate: Rich and viscous. Deep flavors of dark chocolate and orange peel collide with spicy ginger and cinnamon. The sherry influence is balanced, allowing the creamy, malty character of the Islay barley to shine through.

Finish: Long and warming with a final note of toasted oak and sweet pipe tobacco.

Bruichladdich 63 – "The Coastal Experiment" Cask Type: First-Fill Bourbon Barrel

Nose: Vibrant and "yellow" in profile. Expect a rush of vanilla bean, coconut, and ripe pineapple. It smells remarkably fresh, like a walk on the Islay coastline during a sunny afternoon, with a faint aroma of gorse bushes.

Palate: A burst of tropical fruits—mango and papaya—balanced by a sharp, salty tang. The bourbon wood provides a sturdy structure of caramel and crème brûlée, with a delicate peppery spice on the mid-palate.

Finish: Crisp and clean. It leaves a lingering sweetness of wildflower honey and a mineral, chalky finish characteristic of the distillery's water source.

Bruichladdich 64 – "The Robust Character" Cask Type: French Wine Cask (Rivesaltes)

Nose: Intensely sweet and vinous. Notes of red berries, plum jam, and caramelized sugar dominate. There is a deeper, musty earthiness here that suggests a very active cask interaction.

Palate: Full-bodied and syrupy. The wine influence brings flavors of poached pears, red currants, and a heavy nuttiness. It feels "chewy" on the tongue, with a complex layer of tannins and dark honey.

Finish: Decadent and dry. The fruitiness lingers for a long time, eventually fading into a refined bitterness of cocoa nibs and old oak.