Bruichladdich The Ternary Project

Bruichladdich The Ternary Project, NAS, 52.1 %

Today I’d like to share my tasting notes on a very special release from Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay - the Bruichladdich The Ternary Project.

Here is what they say over at the official product page:

“The Ternary is three vintages of three spirit types, matured in three classes of casks; ex-sherry, ex-bourbon, and ex-wine.

30 % Bruichladdich: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogsheads then re-casked into French red wine casks, then Pedro Ximenez sherry butts from Fernando de Castilla

40 % Port Charlotte, filled into a combination of 1st fill bourbon barrels, 1st fill Oloroso sherry casks and 1st fill virgin oak

30 % Octomore (vintage 2008). matured in Sauternes, French Mourvedres, Austrian Sweet Wines, and ex-Amarone and bourbon casks.”

A rather unique combination there. So what is it like in the glass?

Nose: Strawberries in a peat bog. Marshmallows dipped in red berry jam. A hint of alcohol bite but that’s just teasing me. With time playful notes of citrus and vanilla. More and more vanilla on the nose with time.

Taste: Full bodied for sure. Certainly both feisty and peppery up front. Sugary ashes. Rich notes of orchard fruits. Milk chocolate with an attitude.

Finish: Medium long finish. Relatively dry in character now. Peppery dark chocolate. Still fruity. Mildly green with herbs and cut grass.

Comment: I’m very pleased, indeed!

Score 91/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas