Just as a new novel aimed at women argues the case for a pink whisky (see cover story page 24-25) what should come along but a new whisky from Bruichladdich "“ and it's decidedly pink. Called Flirtation, it is at the normal strength of the distillery's products "“ 46% "“ and will go on sale in September.

A risque development in the continuing adventures of the Laddie, the provocative second edition of Bruichladdich Twenty. Merely to imitate the award-winning First Edition was never an option. Instead, being the individualists that we are, we wanted a dram that was just a little different. Jim McEwan, Master Distiller, has therefore created an evocative cuvee that is an intrigue, a liaison dangereuse.

After twenty years maturing in Boubon barrels, the Laddie was coyly introduced to spicy Mourvedre wine casks from Rivesaltes on France's Mediterranean coast. It was a flirtation, a holiday romance, that was almost over before it had began. The result of this dalliance is that the expected profound spirit shows the gentle nuances of alluring fruit flavours, with just a hint of subtle spice aromas adding to the overall multi-layered experience.

A passion of this brief encounter was enough to bring a blush to the Laddies cheek...