Tasting notes

Distilled at South Islay 13 Years (2024) The Tasteful 8 - Brühler Whiskyhaus

Those who love Islay are often looking for the perfect interplay of smoke, complexity and character. The independent bottling from Brühler Whiskyhaus, the Distilled at South Islay 2024 13 Years The Tasteful 8, promises exactly that - and more. With a whopping 56.9% ABV, this whisky comes with power and intensity.

The panel

Marcel
85
Sascha
87

Mean 86.0 · spread 2

Value for money 2/5

Bottler
Brühler Whiskyhaus
Type
Single Malt
Region
Isle of Islay
Country
Scotland
Age
13 years
Strength
56.9% ABV
Character
peaty

Tasting

Nose

Immediately after pouring, a distinctly vinous note unfolds, almost like an intense sherry or a heavy red wine. This is accompanied by light fruity notes reminiscent of dark berries. The perfumed undertone is exciting and gives the whole thing an almost elegant flavour. But then comes the contrast: grilled, glazed bacon meets a hint of engine oil - an exciting, slightly industrial combination that should delight Islay fans.

Palate

On the tongue, it is immediately apparent that this whisky is not a quiet drinker. Earthy and dirty, with a clear force that connoisseurs will love. The fruitiness from the nose is also present, but embedded in a voluminous, intense structure. The mouthfeel is powerful and complex - there is a lot to discover here.

Finish

The finish is lengthy - exactly what you would expect from a strong Islay. Fruity notes remain, joined by a dry, slightly sour nuance that gives the finish additional depth. The finish is intense and lingering - nothing says goodbye too quickly here.

Verdicts

Marcel

A rough Islay ride that’s a real blast with its wild mix of bacon, engine oil, and dark fruits – every sip turns into an adventure. If you’re after a classic, clean whisky, keep moving, but fans of untamed characters will find a genuine hidden gem here. Bold, intense, and full of surprises – a whisky that definitely leaves a lasting impression.

Sascha

At 56.9% ABV, this 13-years Islay whisky presents itself as a complex construction of earthy, fruity, and smoky elements that, despite its intensity, remains surprisingly well balanced. The clear structure and long, nuanced finish demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship – a technically impressive representative of its region that can certainly be polarizing.

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2025-05-22.