Another 20 year old hits the street

In its continuing quest to turn the Scotch whisky world on its ear, Bruichladdich has released yet another 20 year old expression.

This one is nicknamed Islands - the name is taken from the fact that the whisky is aged for 20 years on Islay in American oak barrels and then finished in hogsheads which previously contained Malmsey wine from the island of Madeira.

The packaging simply refers to the expression as Twenty Year Third Edition. The latest edition joins The Twenty and The Twenty Second Edition (also known as Flirtation).

The island of Madeira's sublime subtropical climate – average highs range from the mid-60s to mid-70s year-round – has long made the island a favorite winter getaway for Europeans.

Malmsey Madeiras are created using the Malvasia grape and are the richest styles of Madeira (8%-10% residual sugar) with rich flavors that are balanced by a touch of acidity. Malmsey is an excellent dessert wine with rich desserts made with dark chocolate or tropical fruits, or try it on its own.

According to Master Distiller Jim McEwan:

The result is a dark, alluringly decadent malt. Intensely rich, raisins, black cherries, burnt orange, and fruit cake flavours that linger seductively.

The base spirit was distilled in 1985, and aged for 20 years. The spirit is then finished in the Madeira casks for a short time – however, Bruichladdich has chosen NOT to refer to the expression as a “finished” Scotch.

Mark Reynier says:

This is no clumsy, marketing-led ‘finish’; we don’t even refer to it on the label. It is a subtle refinement obtained from closely understanding both the whisky and the wood.

The last thing we want to do is change the style of a highly successful spirit. This additional cask evolution exploits the greater variety of flavours of European oak.

We now have three versions of Bruichladdich Twenty – the same bloodline, different generations. We want people to enjoy the choice, and talk about their own favourite. I find that very exciting. Variety is, after all, the spice of life.