We know that Rémy Cointreau has recently sealed the deal to take over Bruichladdich - an independent whisky distillery in Islay. Many may think that this buy out is controversial towards the original believe to stay independent when the distillery was re-opened again in 2001, but we think that this decision is for the best as now Bruichladdich can run at full capacity and produce more good whiskies to the world.

At the highest buy out amount of £58 million for a single distillery in the history, Bruichladdich gets to keep all their present employees and honour their promise to their investors, who have not taken any money since the re-opening but continuously paying for the production. With Rémy's involvement, we hope to see more recruitment and marketing for the brand without the worry of closing down again.

During the time when Bruichladdich’s sale to Rémy Cointreau was announced, the Regional Sales Manager for Asia, Murray Campbell was paying a visit to Malaysia and Singapore. Thirstmag was very lucky to be in their tasting events in both countries.

Here we share with you the tasting notes of the 3 bottles presented in the Malaysia events (thanks to Ben Ng who attended the event and shared with us his notes) and the list of 6 rare bottles presented in Singapore:

Collection in Malaysia
Bruichladdich Rocks
Colour: Bright gold
Aroma: Delicate with gentle scent of toffee and fresh barley on the first whiff. On the second nose, the whisky reveals its savoury side. The scent of sea salt becomes increasingly apparent.
Taste:   Pure and well balanced. This whisky has a 'shy' start on the palate and eventually it begin to release flavours of chilli and citrus followed by a buttery finish. A simple and well balanced whisky.

Bruichladdich Waves
This bottling has been phased out since 1st June 2012. The one tasted in the event is a rare remain in the local distributor’s hand. The bottling was an accident, it showed a very young version of Bruichladdich, one of the experimental bottlings.

Colour: Deep Gold
Aroma: At first whiff, one can easily pick up gentle hints of peat and burnt oak chips. This is then followed by traces of seaweed and chilli. The aroma is bold, sophisticated and slightly spirity.
Taste: Surprisingly gentle and light in the taste department. The whisky possess a gentle, pure and clear tasting character reminisce of natural spring water. This is then followed by rock candy sweetness and peppery flavours. The whisky eventually ends with a soft smoky finish that lingers back and forth between one's palate and throat.

Bruichladdich Links 15 years
This was a collector’s item, each release was limited to less than 18,000 bottles. The bottle and casing were Graham Baxter’s painting of famous golf courses. If you are lucky, you might find one in the duty free in Malaysia.

Colour: Bright mahogany, mellow
Aroma: An intense and falvourful whisky with a sherry-ish scent. Explore a little further and you'll find hints of butterscotch.
Taste: Rich and sweet with traces of apples, pears, maple syrup and pulsating tones of black pepper. A rather deep and dark tasting scotch perfect for an autumn evening.

Collection in Singapore
Bruichladdich 16YO First Growth Series Cuvees A to F. Each cuvee is matured in bourbon barrels for the first 15 years and additionally matured in a different type of bordeaux wine cask.

Bruichladdich First Growth Cuvée A: Pauillac (Chateau Lafite)
Bruichladdich First Growth Cuvée B: Pauillac (Chateau Latour)
Bruichladdich First Growth Cuvée C: Margaux (Chateau Margaux)
Bruichladdich First Growth Cuvée D: Pessac Leognan (Chateau Haut-Brion)
Bruichladdich First Growth Cuvée F: Pomerol (Chateau Lafleur)
Bruichladdich First Growth Cuvée E: Sauternes (Chateau d'Yquem)

If you are very lucky, you may find these bottles in duty free shops in Malaysia or Singapore. If you can wait and are willing to pay for it, you can always buy from Master of Malt and have them delivered to your doorstep.