Bruichladdich's Whisky of Mass Distinction series has its roots in 2004, when US Military Intelligence, misreading a large copper shipment destined for the distillery, flagged Bruichladdich as a potential WMD site. The distillery responded in kind. The Yellow Submarine chapter followed in 2005, when Islay fishermen hauled a stray MOD submersible ashore; when Navy personnel arrived at Bruichladdich pier to retrieve it, they left with bottles of the newly minted Yellow Submarine release. This third edition continues that tradition.
Distilled from 100% Scottish barley and matured for 14 years on Islay in 75% first-fill bourbon and 25% French red wine casks, bottled at 54.2% ABV. The nose offers honeyed oats, buttery shortbread, pink peppercorn and ginger. Crème brûlée richness leads the palate alongside crisp apple and pear, before toasted hazelnut, gentle spice and a linger of sea salt close things out.
Tasting Notes
Awards
Nose
Beautifully balanced and rounded, honeyed oats and buttery shortbread open on the nose, with pink peppercorns and a hint of ginger punctuating this sweet character.
Palate
Creamy crème Brulé adds to the spirit’s luxuriously smooth texture, complemented with crisp apple and pear on the palate.
Finish
Gentle spice and toasted hazelnut settle on the finish while a hint of sea salt linger.