BRUICHLADDICH DISTILLERY
Or the revival of "The Laddie"
It was in 1881 that a certain Barnett Harvey built the Bruichladdich distillery in the isle of Islay. This one will operate under the control of several owners, before being eventually mothballed in 1995 and then until an independent bottler, Murray McDavid, bought it to the Whyte & MacKay company in December 2001.
In the meantime, Bruichladdich which had been originally equipped with two pot stills, had seen its capacity being doubled with the installation of a second pair of stills.
At the end of May 2001, after only five months of work, including the difficult reconditioning of the boiler affectionately named "Thomas", the spirit was flowing again through the spirit safe under the watchful and passionate eye of Jim McEwan. After having spent 37 years of his career at Bowmore, this charismatic figure whose professional skills are equal only to his kindness, had finally decide to become a key actor in the revival of Bruichladdich, with the position of Production Manager.
Jim, who has been elected "Best Distiller" of the year 2002 by his peers, actually enjoys such a high reputation in his knowledge of whisky making, that it is the custom in Scotland to say that "What Jim does not know about whisky, you can write it on a stamp".
  
|
The wash still (17.275 l)
|
|
The spirit still (12.274 l)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Among the seven distilleries currently active in the isle of Islay, Bruichladdich, often known as "The Laddie", distinguishes itself in producing a whisky which is only lightly peated. Whereas the majority of the malts distilled in the isle are characterised by a rate of phenol with a figure between 30 and 50 PPM (Parts per million of phenol), that of Bruichladdich contents itself with a mere 3 PPM. It offers nonetheless the specific character to be found in the whiskies of the isles, with a coastal personality evoking iodine and sea winds.
The whiskies of this distillery distinguish themselves in a general manner by their great distinction, a very nice balance in their character and riche nuances. You will find some tasting notes concerning a 1992 Single Cask if you browse the page covering the whisky range Spirit Safe & Cask Selection.
But the distillery has recently produced whiskies with high levels of peat, first with Port Charlotte (40 PPM) distilled since May 2001, then with Octomore (80 PPM) distilled since October 2002. The only problem is that one will have to be patient for several years before being able to fully appreciate the result. Yet, the first preliminary tastings have already proved very promising.
If you are lucky enough to visit the isle of Islay (For practical information, browse the site of Islay), make sure you do not miss visiting the distillery.
And if you are too impatient and not afraid of travelling in the past, then you should follow without waiting any further the journalist John Barnard to accompany him in his visit of the distillery. You are in 1886, just five years after it has been built.
To visit the distillery nowadays :
Bruichladdich Distillery
Islay, Argyll PA49 7VN, Scotland
Tel : 44 (0)17496 850 221 - Fax : 44 (0)17496 850 477
We suggest that prior to your visit you give a phone call to check and arrange it in the best conditions.
|
