Bruichladdich and Morning Glory at the Rye Tasting Room

"Forty-year old Bruichladdich. I only drink this when I'm practically suicidal," a grumpy and noticeably irritated Mike Pomeroy, played by Harrison Ford, mutters as he points at the iconic bottle. It's a fitting tribute to one of Scotland's iconic single malts, and the only distiller to distill, mature, and bottle all its whiskey on the Isle of Islay. 

Bruichladdich is just one of the many premium single malts from the Rye Tasting Room's Master of Malt Whiskey Tasting Series, with an extensive selection of the world's finest single malts, including the very best from Scotland and Japan.

After a sumptuous mid-morning brunch at Il Ponticello's Brunchissimo (see my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2015/04/pizza-porchetta-and-pancetta-at-il.html), it just seemed like the right thing to do and cap a great late Saturday morning with some of the good stuff. Think of it as my own version of Morning Glory at the Rye Tasting Room, located inside Il Ponticello. My Bruichladdich Islay Single Malt Flight included (L-R) Bruichladdich Waves, the Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, the Port Charlotte, a heavily peated single malt, and the elegant Octomore, considered by many as the most heavily peated single malt in the world. Each shot defines the very essence of Scotland's Isle of Islay, with its abundant peat bogs, fertile soil, clear and pristine glacial water, and briny ocean mist from the rugged coastline.

And here's a simple guide to appreciate the fine single malts, Rye Tasting Room's Tasting 101: Nose the Whiskey. Hold your glass at arm's length then slowly pass it smoothly under your nose, and breathing in deep, slow and deliberately through the nose. Close your eyes, and identify the fragrant notes. Taste the Spirit. Simply form your tongue into a small spoon shape in your mouth and take a sip, letting the single malt nestle in your mouth. Let it linger before washing it down. The flavors and aroma then become more complex, with distinct notes layering over the other. And lastly, Enjoy! Pour yourself another shot!

The first shot, the Bruichladdich Wave, has a light yet fragrant aroma reminiscent of fresh apples, followed by robust notes of sweet barley, vanilla and just a whisper of smokiness. The Bruichladdich Classic Laddie has a more pronounced and distinct fruity aroma with a hint of lemon, delivering smooth and full bodied flavors of sweet oak and barley. In between, take a bite of dark chocolate to bring out even more subtle nuances in your second sip. The Port Charlotte has a spicier bouquet, almost like dried fruits, with a rounder and deeper flavor of smoky toffee. The Octomore, the last shot of the flight, has the boldest aroma, with dominant peaty and intense smoky notes layered with a light hint of briny ocean spray. But the taste is surprisingly smooth, the smoothest among the four single malts, with strong malted barley flavors that linger long after the first sip. Add a drop of water to release more flavor, and take another sip. Each shot was distinct and unique, illustrating the subtle nuances that define each label, making you discover something new and different. Sampling the revered single malts from the famed Isle of Islay is all you need to understand Mike Pomeroy's exclamation, and one can just imagine the sublime notes of the rare Forty-year old Bruichladdich.

Go on a personal flight of discovery with some of the world's best single malts, only at the Rye Tasting Room. Sometimes four shots of one of the the world's best single malts are all you need to make the day right. For more on the Rye Tasting Room, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-rye-tasting-room-takes-flight-at-il.html.

Rye Tasting Room is located inside Il Ponticello Bar and Italian Restaurant, Second Floor, Unit 203, Antel Corporate Centre, 121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati or call 553-9971 for inquiries and more information.

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