Bruichladdich is one of the leading experimenters when it comes to cask finishes and wine casks in particular. I must admit that I’m generally not a fan, so I was slightly wary when I read this Bruichladdich 2005 bottled by Claxton’s was fully matured in a Rioja wine cask .

Bruichladdich 11 yo 2005 (57,2%, Claxton’s 2016, Rioja wine cask #1605-1052, 320 btl.)

Nose: no need to stick your nose into the glass, really, the red berries and wine gums will come right at you. Prunes. Hints of Spanish PX-matured brandy. After that, it turns towards tobacco notes,...