Bruichladdich Islay Barley Unpeated Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (2013 Release)
Bruichladdich's Islay barley series has always been a mission for them. Throughout the years, they have sought to showcase the the phenomenon of terroir in single malt whisky. The believe climate, micro-climate, soil, geographic orientation, local weather systems, and natural influences can and will influence the flavour profile and quality of their spirit. Showcasing their commitment to barley provenance, this Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013 is the eighth edition of unpeated, locally grown single malt. Fully traceable and high provenance with honeyed porridge and lemon meringue pie notes, it evokes a true sense of place.
The crop was raised across seven island farms, by Hunter Jackson at Cruach, Andrew and Donald Jones at Coull, Mark French at Rockside, Ian McKerrell at Island, Alistair Torrance at Mulindry, Raymond Fletcher at Dunlossit and Raymond Stewart at Sunderland. The resulting spirit was matured in a combination of 75% ex-American and 25% ex-European oak casks for eight aged years.
On the nose the freshness and purity of the spirit is striking. A kaleidoscope of vibrant aromas pour from the glass. First, citrus and honey notes emerge before stoned fruit, dried apricot, and the perfume of ripe peaches. Sweet notes of marzipan, yellow flowers and vanilla pods are followed by zephyrs of spice, cereal, and marine breeze. Over time the oak notes elevate as the vanilla, Crème-Brulee, caramel and wood spices come to the fore. Then gentle hints of cinnamon and ginger cake and syrup add to the anticipation of tasting. On the palate oak cradles the soft fruit distillation beautifully. The delicate sweetness and luscious texture are like velvet on the palate. The balance of those sweet ripe stoned fruit flavours with the vanilla, caramel and brown sugar notes of the oak is perfect. This vintage of Islay barley is bottled at just the right moment to capture the essence of our island. Add a touch of water and watch as the natural oils react in the glass releasing wonderful floral notes of hawthorn and heather to add to the complexity and depth of this remarkable single malt. The finish is a testament to the quality of distillation. The subtle marine tang paired with the sweet citrus and honeyed oaked notes tells the story of our whisky and where it comes from. Natural whisky with no chill filtration means you will experience a long and gentle a finish, and in this case-unforgettable.
Taking your time to explore this dram will not leave you disappointed, the wonderful, complexity and honesty of this whisky is a joy to behold, its purity and freshness, its delicate oak sweetness and expression of fruit and gentle floral tones make it a vintage to remember. In fact, it may well be unforgettable.
The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Islay
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 50%