Bruichladdich Links Valhalla 15 year old review

Matured for 15 years in bourbon casks, this dram is part ten of the Golf themed Links series from Bruichladdich distillery. Limited edition of 18 000 bottles, each bottle has been made of casks selected by Master Distiller Jim McEwan. The label has a painted golf themed Valhalla in it by Graeme W. Baxter, a famous golf artist.

In my notes I have sherry included even though this isn’t a sherry finished whisky. After the bourbon cask maturation, Bruichladdich Links has been additionally matured in premier cru, first-growth Climens Barsac casks. Cypres de Climens Barsac is in southern Bordeaux region and famous for making sweet dessert wines. The sweet wine finish fooled my taste buds to think there’s sherry.

This dram has a nice backstory and it’s from the progressive distillery, but still, a mild disappointment. Links Valhalla is too sweet for my taste, feeling a bit like a big sherry whisky, which isn’t my cup of tea. Powerful with sugar.

Bit of that FORBIDDEN FRUIT feel for me

Bruichladdich Links Valhalla 15yo is like Forbidden Fruit for me. In a twisted way I liked it even though I hated it. Weirdly enough, below 80 points, I’d like to taste it again – clearly the forbidden one.

Nose: Sophisticated when compared to the taste. Very fruity and peachy with sweet and oaky notes. Has some sherry feel.

Taste: Sugary sweet with honey and heather. Feel of sherry is present yet again.

Finish: Nice length, über-sweet though. Wine and honey hit in a very sweet way.

Balance: Coherent in every step. Nose being the most delicate part. I can imagine sherry whisky lovers falling for this one.

Colour: Deep gold
Nose: 21  |  Taste: 18  |  Finish: 18  |  Balance: 20
Overall score: 77

Distillery: Bruichladdich
Region: Islay
ABV: 46%
Non-chill filtered, no added colour