Bruichladdich Islay Barley 700ml

This is the 2011 vintage of Bruichladdich Islay Barley single malt Scotch whisky! As the name suggests, this expression is made using barley that grown on the Hebridean island which Bruichladdich calls home. The distillery works with farms across the island to source the barley, which is distilled, matured and bottled up at 50% ABV.

The Islay barley series has always been a mission. For many years now the distillery sought to showcase the phenomenon of “terroir” in single malt whisky – the belief that soil, climate, micro-climate, geographic orientation, natural influences and local weather systems will influence the quality and flavour profile of the spirit, making it a unique expression of ‘place’. Bruichladdich Islay barley 2011 is distilled from barley grown on six western and central Islay farms in 2010.

The grain for this single malt was harvested from Coull, Rockside, Island, Mulindry, Starchmill and Cruach farms on Islay, and distilled in 2011. Aged for seven years before bottling at 50% abv, this unpeated expression is part of Bruichladdich’s Barley Provenance series.

The nose is fruits and floral with crisp apple, pear and orange zest, giving way to oak and cereal notes. The palate is soft and creamy with elderflower and honeysuckle leading to barley sugar. sea salt, vanilla, coconut and cedarwood. The finish is long and lingering with dried fruits, citrus and a touch of sea spray.

Bruichladdich Islay Barley Tasting Notes

Nose: Waxy orange peels, nutty malt, soft wafts of rock pool aroma and some fresh peaches.

Palate: Vanilla wafers, sugared almonds, oatcakes, a hint of buttered bread and spring blossom.

Finish: Soft hints of spicy oak develop later on, mellowed by mint chocolate and walnut loaf.