Bruichladdich, The Italian Collection
Bruichladdich is one of a few distilleries that is at the forefront of wine-cask finishing. Their Italian Collection offers a unique flavour profile, one that is perfect for those looking for something off the beaten path. Doubled-matured, this limited-release Islay single malt is first aged in traditional Bourbon casks but then spends additional time in wine casks previously holding Famous Italian Wines.
Italian Collection 1993 Gaja's Barolo, 46 % vol.
Colour: Fantastically rich amber
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, blackcurrant and cranberry and delicate floral notes of roses and geraniums.
Taste: The sweetness of syrup-coated berries is first to hit the palate but the true earthy character of the wine can be experienced through ripe plums and blackcurrant fruits. The delicious wine character then pays its respect to the lead by making way for the vanilla and the spicy peppers from the Bourbon cask.
Finish: A truly long lasting flavour of toasted almonds and vanilla.
Italian Collection 1993 Gaja's Brunello, 46 % vol.
Colour: Deep and rich amber colour with some copper tones
Nose: Caramel covered fruit, primarily red grape and redcurrant.
Taste: The sweetness of toffee apple driving the nose is the first delight on the palate while the yummy toasted oatcakes linger in the background. And just in case you were wondering where it was, the subtle peat smoke drifts in to remind you this is unmistakably a Bruichladdich dram! A touch of water brings out a malty flavour.
Finish: A very distinctive long and earthy finish with a certain freshness from the grapes coming in right at the end.
Italian Collection 1993 Gaja's Bolgherie, 46 % vol.
Colour: Pink Rose petals
Nose: Floral notes of rosehip and jasmine. Strawberries, blackberries and pomegranate. These are bounded together by a squeeze of citrus and complemented by smooth vanilla.
Taste: The palate is tangy but sweet at the same time, with extracts of crisp fruits to offset the salty taste. Water really opens it up to reintroduce the red fruits on the palate and mix white pepper with syrupy honeycomb.
Finish: Long and lingering, this subtle experience is one you'll never want to end.
Italian Collection 1993 Gaja's Barbaresco, 46 % vol.
Colour: Golden Amber
Nose: Ripe plums, red cherries, juicy watermelon, red grapefruit , vanilla and sweet toasted oak from the modest Bruichladdich. A hint of cinnamon adds a bit of diversity while a splash of water brings out dried fruits in the form of figs, raisins and sultanas.
Taste: The red fruits play a huge part in the taste of this Italian influenced malt to really get the juices flowing! However it's creamy and nutty flavours transport you back to Islay's shores to culminate in malted barley and a drift of peat smoke.
Finish: Short, tangy with a zing of citrus
Italian Collection 1993 Gaja's Sassicaia French oak, 46 % vol.
Colour: Copper/amber with peachy tones
Nose: A floral and very sweet aromatic collection of aromas. Rosehip and green apple, plum, blackberries, strawberries and blackcurrants. Pear drops have a subtle influence.
Taste: Incredibly buttery smooth silky mouth feel, the citrus and berry flavours hit the palate first but quickly make way for malted barley with surprisingly delicate notes of toffee, banana and hint of liquorice. A touch of charred oak interlaced with white pepper and cinnamon spice brings depth and warmth to the palate.
Finish: Long lasting layers of flavour linger on and on with whispers of malt and spice.
Italian Collection Gaja's Sassicaia (American Oak), 46 % vol.
Colour: Burnt Orange
Nose: Peaches, pomegranate and strawberries, ripe grapes and some green fruit. Caramel, vanilla and sweet oak from the American casks.
Taste: Although the fruity aromas continue to impress on the taste, we are also rewarded with floral notes of honeysuckle and lavender. These unite with juicy sun sweet ripe oranges and a slight hint of creamy chocolate to create a wonderfully flavoursome and smooth palate. Vanilla and malted barley from the Laddie malt are still detectable on the addition of water.
Finish: This smooth Italian operator departs swiftly with a cheeky wink that's says it knows you'll definitely be back for more!
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