Bruichladdich Cuvee 382 La Berenice MG41 [L’Age d’Or] (46%, OB, Sauternes/Barsac Cask, 2012)

• 46% ABV,
• £100 for 70cl
• Score: 89/100

What they say:

This American-oak-aged Bruichladdich has been further matured in casks that previously contained the lush sweet white wines of two of the greatest chateaux of Barsac and Sauternes.
Casks that have held wine from grapes grown to honeyed intensity from some of the most blessed plots of Bordeaux, now meet classic Bruichladdich spirit that has slumbered in our dank, dark loch-side warehouses for two decades.

Character
A sensuous, decadent and flirtatious whisky with more than a hint of forbidden fruit.

Colour
Brilliant copper/ hazelnut/ wild honeycomb/ antique gold.

Nose
The first aromatics to rise are of soft ripe green fruits – papaya, plump green grapes, melon and pear with a drift on anise and cinnamon together with that distinctive note of mint imperials. This is followed by honeysuckle and orange blossom bringing that floral connection which is a Bruichladdich vintage keynote. Sweet and nutty flavours evolve; notes of candied almonds and nougat.

Palate
On the palate it is splendidly decadent and it’s here that the sweet biscuit flavours of barley shine in total harmony with creamy toffee, allowing the toasted oaks to work their magic. The mid-palate is opulent, caressing & enthralling the taste buds. The viscosity of the world’s greatest Sauternes is an enchantress that drives you to distraction. This is class in a glass, elegant, sophisticated, full bodied and succulently sweet. The texture is silky smooth, warm and mellow with the sauternes casks highlighting the natural beauty of an unpeated Islay single malt whisky.

Finish
It’s long and never falters; the flavours don’t fade at all due to its incredible texture. What a unique experience it’s been.

Mood
Decadent and flirtatious.

What I say:

My second sample choice in the Bruichladdich tasting room was this Cuvee 382 La Berenice edition, reported to be 21 years old and matured in Barsac and Sauternes wine casks after initial maturation in American Oak

Colour:

Dark amber copper

Nose:

Sweet, fragrant and floral Coquelicot (poppy), ginger, honey, hay, golden syrup, fruity apple, peach, fig and damson

Taste:

Subtle, slightly tannic, waxy fruits, damson, quince, greengage, plum, apple, pear, hints of lavender and Sweet William, ginger and cinnamon and golden syrup oaty flapjacks

Finish:

Long/medium, polished fruit, honey and hints of ginger and fig

Overall:

Beautiful fragrant and fruity, this is an awesome sauternes-influenced dram with depths of richness and a bounty of gentle fruit flavours giving it real depth and character. One to be sipped slowly and lovingly.