The Classic Laddie Review
In-Depth Review
You would be forgiven to think that all of the whiskies coming out of Islay are heavily peated smoke bombs that require both patience and a touch of masochism. This is what many Scotch enthusiasts would tell you. But this is not completely the case. Bruichladdich, one of the most famous distilleries on the island, instead has an entire range of unpeated gems worth exploring. And while they may be best known for their Octomore series (known as the most heavily peated spirit in the world), their unpeated expressions have garnered praised for years.
At the forefront of this unpeated Islay revolution is the Tiffany blue bottle we have here today. Called “The Classic Laddie”, this is the entry level whiskey from Bruichladdich, coming in at 50% ABV, non-chill filtered, and in this gorgeous and iconic colored bottle. And while it is non-age stated, Bruichladdich has always been known for blending incredible batches of whiskies – regardless of age. This specific 200ml bottle of Bruichladdich comes from a sample package bottled in 2017 of three of their core whiskies– the Classic Laddie, Islay Barley, and their heavily peated Port Charlotte expression. This Classic Laddie is Batch 17/144. I’ll slowly work my way through all of them in the set, but let’s start at the beginning.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 50%
Cask: Various casks (ex-bourbon, sherry, and wine)
MSRP: $55
Distillery Name: Bruichladdich
Review Date: 7/10/23
Color: Bright Straw
Nose: The nose starts off with a fruity cotton candy note, with waves of strawberries, candy corn, and a slight maritime (salty air) quality. There’s significantly more fruit on the nose than I was expecting, with a bright and lively character filled with vanilla syrup and salty strawberries.
Palate: Here comes the malty, salty, bready, honey graham cracker persona I was expecting from this Islay stalwart. There’s salted and buttered sourdough with a splash of malty umami. It’s so incredibly easy to drink that a 200ml of this feels very crushable. The sweet and fruity character from the nose is gone, and you’re left with only a faint touch of canned peaches and honey to go with all that malty character. The mouthfeel is good, well balanced, and weighty.
Finish: Medium length finish with a whiff of ash and sea air. The heat builds but it never becomes hot. Notes of salted meats mixes with a vanilla sweet cream butter. There is a nice zest and brightness to it as it leaves the palate.
Final Thoughts: This non-peated Bruichladdich makes a strong case for the best entry level whisky coming out of Islay. I struggle to call this a “value” whisky, but it easily feels like it can dress up or dress down for any kind of occasion. And while batches will undoubtedly vary, this 17/144 batch surprises with its cotton candy sweet nose and its malty, salty palate. I do wish the current iterations were as dynamic as this 2017 batch, with some more recent bottles feeling a touch on the youthful side. Nevertheless, the Classic Laddie surpassed my expectations all while coming in at a great proof, with great availability, and a decent price.
Score: 93
