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Bruichladdich 21 years Cuvee 640 Eroica

woody malty
4.2
(3)€195Scotland, Islay, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

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Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Bruichladdich named this 21-year-old after Beethoven's 'Eroica', his third symphony. The link is Napoleon, and that nod points straight to the cask. The spirit rested for years in American oak, then finished in French Limousin oak that once held Cognac. The result leans grape and dried fruit, with vanilla and fudge underneath. There is dried apricot, a touch of cocoa, and a malty core that Islay drinkers know well. The finish carries oak and a peppery zing rather than heavy smoke. Pour it neat and let the fruit slowly unfold in the glass.

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About the distillery

Distillery

Bruichladdich

Bruichladdich distillery is located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, and was founded in 1881. It was closed in 1994, but then re-opened in 2001 under new ownership. The distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies, including heavily peated, unpeated, and triple-distilled varieties. Bruichladdich uses only Scottish barley and sources its water from nearby Loch Indaal. The distillery also produces a gin called The Botanist, which is made with 22 different botanicals, many of which are sourced locally on Islay.

4.1Average rating

96Whiskies on Distilld

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Islay

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About the Bruichladdich 21 years Cuvee 640 Eroica

Bruichladdich 21 years Cuvee 640 Eroica is a single malt Scotch whisky from Islay. Made at the Bruichladdich distillery in Scotland. It opens the distillery's Cuvee series, three releases finished in unusual specialty casks. The spirit aged for many years in American oak. It then moved into French Limousin oak barrels that once held Cognac. The name carries a story. 'Eroica' refers to Beethoven's third symphony, which the composer first tied to Napoleon. That French thread runs straight to the Cognac casks. Bruichladdich likes this kind of playful, cultured detail. Few Islay bottlings wear their inspiration so openly. It makes Cuvee 640 feel like a small piece of music as much as a whisky. The flavour is rich and slowly shifting. Grape and dried fruit lead, joined by dried apricot and a little raspberry. Vanilla and fudge soften the middle, while cocoa adds depth. The malty, cereal heart keeps it grounded in Islay character. Oak and wood frame the long, gently peppery close. This is unpeated Islay, so do not expect a wall of smoke. Faint smoky and earthy notes sit far in the background. Instead, fresh fruit, pineapple and floral hints brighten the palate. The French oak gives a spicy zing rather than a sweet rush. It rewards patience and slow sipping. Drink Bruichladdich 21 years Cuvee 640 Eroica neat, in a clean glass. Give it a few minutes to open. The grape and oak grow fuller as it breathes. This is a whisky for someone who enjoys a long, evolving pour. It suits quiet evenings and unhurried company.