🥃 Whisky Auctioneer

One of the best bottlings released recently - a proper drinker's dram with a real journey in the glass. Well worth trying and if you find it for the original rrp, well worth buying.

Vanilla and honey, egg custard, caramel sauce—it's floral and grainy. Wax and lychees, candied barley, cooked mirabelle plums, but the balance is fabulous. Varied citrus fruits, from pineapple to lime, wafers topped with whipped cream. Discreet mint, a generous dose of slightly salty iodine. On the palate, it's smooth, creamy, speculoos biscuits, candied lemon, soft banana, greengage plum jam, very subtle spices. A long and explosive finish, shortbread biscuits, licorice stick, anise, blond tobacco leaves, mineral highlights. It's perfectly successful, the wine casks are very discreet and only bring fruitiness to the whole, it's a very recognizable Bruichladdich, with everything that makes up the personality of the distillery, but with a little extra cream and jam. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2026/05/bruichladdich-14-yo-yellow-submarine.html

As befits a whisky from a unique series, it is unique and very well-balanced. It boasts plenty of yellow fruit, sweetness, and a subtle bitterness that adds character and emphasizes complexity. It's pleasant in the mouth and delicate in taste, but not cloying or bland. Highly recommended.

A beautiful and well-composed bottling, like embarking on a research submarine voyage of discovery. It proves to be wonderfully versatile, constantly changing in the glass. I like it!

One of Islay’s most entertaining whisky tales dates back to the mid-2000s, when fisherman John Baker recovered a bright yellow, remote-controlled minesweeper drone from coastal waters. The Royal Navy needed days to realize HMS Penzance was missing gear, and another three months to retrieve it. For Laddie, this mishap inspired another release in their legendary WMD (Whisky of Mass Distinction) series. While the yellow design has cult status, Master Blender Adam Hannett built this dram around a new cask recipe: 75% First-Fill Bourbon Barrels and 25% French Red Wine Casks. It achieves a balance many wine-influenced whiskies struggle to reach. NOSE Malty and inviting. Bourbon wood leads with honey, buttery vanilla cookies, and warm brioche reminiscent of almond-topped yeast buns. Orchard fruits, apricots and citrus zests add freshness, while nutmeg and soft oak spice provide structure. PALATE Rich, oily, and composed. The strength delivers presence without overpowering. Sweet malt, toffee, and orchard fruits mirror the nose. The wine casks complement rather than dominate, adding red currants and a little cranberry instead of heavy dark fruits. Cinnamon and oak spice add depth while preserving the distillery character. FINISH / VERDICT Medium-long and creamy. Vanilla sweetness lingers, supported by gentle oak dryness and a very subtle maritime touch. A delicate red berry note briefly returns at the end. The bottle and whisky leave a lasting impression. Yellow Submarine 2026 delivers a balanced experience with complexity reminiscent of its WMD II predecessor, but with a somewhat fresher profile. Well done! At €115 in Germany, a highly enjoyable and recommendable dram. Further notes and reviews on Instagram and Facebook: #maltkanzlei

I like the submarine.

Almost there

Blind taste test. Definitely needs water. But even then, not a whisky that will stay with me for long.

The aroma is acceptable, but it doesn't stand up well after a while; it will spoil quickly. On the palate, the flavors are rather mixed, with a slightly stronger bitter base. Overall, it's not a particularly good bruichladdich; perhaps the value of this whisky lies more in its story.

Tasted from a Glencairn glass. Tasted neat, without water! I can't understand the hype or the reviews for this bottling. Yes, it's a good whisky, but the sulfur note, which is always present for me, bothers me somewhat. People who don't have a problem with sulfur can buy it without hesitation.

A nice whisky at a reasonable price, but not something I'd go out of my way for. Sampled as part of a really good online tasting for the 15th birthday of The Good Spirits Company.

I can't understand why so many people give it 89/90 points. The scent is just average. Although it has a Bruichladdich style, there's absolutely no need to buy a second bottle. To me, this scent is only worth 80 euros.

The submarine story continues, and this bottling is very well done. A lovely, easy-drinking laddie with classic notes and a biscuit-like feel with a wine influence ;) You can see the full review on my YouTube channel Friendly Mr. Z Whisky & Tastings.