I've only had one, I think the 2011, but was amazed how much of a jump in quality it was over the Classic Laddie for only about $10 more. If it were sold in my state, I'd stock it. I give the Laddie a buy it, and I still get it here and there as an occasional stock it lol. Cheers and Merry Christmas!
I enjoyed this review thoroughly. I don't know that I have actually seen any of these myself. Since I am more of a peated fanboy, my eyes immediately locked on to their Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 2013 expression when I found it this fall. As could be expected, the barley was sourced at the same seven Islay farms and also comes in at 50% ABV. I love it! How about a mirror image comparison of the 2011-2013 Port Charlotte Heavily Peated Islay Barley bottles?
Thanks again for this flight that you sent me, Bill. I finally got to sit down and try these and they are all good. I do like Bruichladdich and found these to be strong representatives of their DNA. My preferences matched you exactly. I loved the 2011 as my first dram, quickly realized 2012 didn't live up, and then knew 2013 was the winner on first sip. 2013 first, 2011 second, and 2012 a distant third. However, it wasn't the "heaviness" but I just found 2012 a bit flat or one dimensional because the fruit wasn't there to balance with the malt. This was super fun.
