94 The Whisky Advocate

Number 2 Whiskey of 2024.... The flagship of Bruichladdich’s Luxury Redefined range is packaged in a molded fiber cocoon. Distilled in 2004, this whisky includes the distillery’s first use of Islay-grown barley. It was matured on Islay, mostly in bourbon barrels but also in a combination of sauternes and port casks. Aromas of honey, vanilla, and creamed coconut are wrapped around floral flourishes, with peach, melon, guava, and ground ginger. Complex layers of gooseberry, melon, and banana mingle with butterscotch, barley sugar, honeycomb, vanilla, and cinnamon, running into a satisfying finish of ginger and oak spice with a hint of coastal saltiness. —Jonny McCormick

8 The Whiskey Wash

The Bruichladdich Eighteen is a delightful example of higher-age cask management, pulling in elements that balance it very well. Have a bottle of this around to share with others.