Bruichladdich 1994 11 Year Old Official Bottling Full Strength Second Edition

The youthfulness and roughness were well masked by the sweetness of the cask, making it delicious. Bruichladdich BRUICHLADDICH 1994 11yo OB FULL STRENGTH Second Edition 56.5% The aroma features ripe plums, apricot jam, toasted barley, a vegetal note suggesting youthfulness, a touch of oil, strong oak, and richness. Upon drinking, it starts with a smooth mouthfeel, expanding into slightly sticky sweetness reminiscent of thick jam and grapes, with a balanced tannin and rich depth. [Good/Very Good] This is the second edition of Bruichladdich 1994, an official bottling in the Full Strength series. Given its short maturation and high alcohol content, I expected it to show more youthfulness and roughness. While that nuance is indeed present, the sweetness and richness of the cask completely mask any sense of immaturity. The mouthfeel was overall smooth, and the aroma was thick and rich. This period's Bruichladdich is known for its wine cask finishes, which often give a direct, sugary sweetness that can feel monotonous and overpowering. However, in this case, the sweetness is well-controlled and doesn't come off as unpleasant, making it a pleasant experience as a sweet malt. While I generally don't favor flavors that mask off-flavors or immaturity, in this case, the masking is so skillfully done that it's simply delicious. The only concern now is whether the balance remains stable after bottling and once opened, so I plan to try it again in the future for further learning.