7.1 Bruichladdich 2007 1^st fill Premier Cru Sauternes Barrique, 15 years old, 61.2%

Distilled on 2^nd November 2007, this whisky spent its whole 15-year life maturing in cask #RO8/153-5. This maturation took place in a 1^st fill Premier Cru Sauternes Barrique.

Bottled on 22nd February 2023 as Release 7.1 of the Jim McEwan Signature Collection, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and at natural cask strength of 61.2% (as we always say, Jim would have it no other way!), it yielded only 256 bottles.

Price: £325 (£270.83 ex. VAT)

Tasting notes from Jim McEwan MBE

Aromas - Its an irresistible mellow mature aroma. The sweet fruity aromatics from the Sauternes-soaked staves has created a halo that embraces the sweetness of malted barley. Add the natural aromatics of an Island in the Atlantic Ocean where the casks lay sleeping for 15 years at the water’s edge. The crispness of the toasted barley in harmony with the oak work beautifully ensuring that the wine influence is not dominating the natural aromas allowing the Islay character to shine through beautifully.

Palate - Absolutely amazing! The sweetness of the barley, the sea air, the French oak and the Atlantic coast maturation for 15 years. Hand-crafted by a team of Islanders who distil slowly without a computer in sight, and their skill and dedication shines through like a Lighthouse on a storm battered Island - Islay! The French oak works superbly with the Islay character cradling the mellow French connection and the rest is history.

A truly beautiful spirit.