Bruichladdich 2003 12 YO - Norsk whiskyforbund Cask 2

Bruichladdich 2003 12 YO - Norsk whiskyforbund Cask #2, 56,6 %

This is the second whisky bottled for the Federation of Norwegian Whisky Societies (Norsk whiskyforbund). The first release was a really nice GlenDronach (see review). The Bruichladdich 2003 12 YO - Norsk whiskyforbund Cask 2 was bottled by independent bottler Adelhi.

This cask (cask #1335) was not really exclusively bottled for Norway, only 60 out of the 250 bottles were given a special label for this release. The remaining bottles were sold as a 'regular' Adelphi release. If you check the entry for cask #1335 on Whiskybase, you will see it listed with a total outturn of 197 bottles there...

The Bruichladdich 2003 12 YO - Norsk whiskyforbund Cask 2 has been given a finish in a Rivesaltes cask. When released in Norway earlier this year it sold at around NOK 1400. It is now sold out.

Nose: Malt and freshly baked bread. Cool and laid back. Something rubber-y, or a touch of sulphur. With time there's earthiness, wet leaves and malt drops. Grapes, raisins and dates finally.

Taste: Borderline sour and bitter. Tons of spices - peppers, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg. Lots of edges here. Not at all smooth, but quite interesting and challenging. It's like it is trying to put up a fight when you want to drink it...resisting...struggling... Weird!

Finish: Medium long finish. More sugary sweet now. Grapes and oak. In the back - memories of mint chocolate and baby vomit.

Comments: Not really sure what more to say here. This is a weird dram...I think I'll leave it at that.

Score (79/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas