Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

Score: 65

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie landed a respectable 3rd out of 6 in the club tasting, a quiet achiever that surprised more than a few palates. Often overshadowed by its peat-forward siblings, this unpeated Islay expression showed that elegance doesn’t need age or smoke to make an impression. At just 6–7 years old, it’s remarkably well balanced, offering a clean, light profile that punches above its weight. The whisky bridges styles, sitting somewhere between Islay and Speyside in character. Its flavour profile stood out in the lineup: peach, golden raisin, crisp malt, and honey form a bright, inviting core, while a touch of bitterness adds welcome contrast. It’s not flashy, but it’s rock-solid, a dependable dram with enough complexity to keep things interesting and a price point that makes it even more appealing. In a tasting filled with bold personalities, The Classic Laddie held its own with quiet confidence. It didn’t dominate, but it earned its spot, proof that subtlety and balance still have a place in the club’s ever-evolving palate.