Bruichladdich 2010 Bere Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 50%           Age: 8 Years Old        Country: Scotland

Built in 1881 when puffer-supplied coal was available as an alternative fuel to local peat, it is likely that Bruichladdich was specifically designed to produce the purest unpeated spirit possible. The great Alfred Barnard supports this view with a tantalising clue – the Laddie is the only distillery on Islay that he does not describe as drying its malt using peat in his fascinating exploration of the island’s distilleries in 1885. Falling on hard times with whisky demand low and plenty of surplus then owners Invergorden shut the distillery down in 1995. Re-opening again in 2001 it was sold to Remy Cointreau in 2012 which started to invest heavily to refurbish the distillery. An onsite maltings is currently being built at the distillery to allow for a 100% Islay grown, malted, distilled and matured spirit.

Bere is a hardy and resilient grain, adapted to poor soil conditions and a short growing season with long hours of daylight. Yields are low and the grain proved difficult to mill. The dense grist was to break the Victorian equipment when we first tried to mash it. But the results speak for themselves. Head Distiller Adam Hannett says; “The bere has more emphasis on the fruit and malt notes than spirit distilled from conventional two row barley varieties. It seems more full bodied, with more depth and malt character.” This 2010 expression has been matured for no less than 8 years in ex-Bourbon American Oak barrels. It is made from unpeated Orkney barley which was harvested in 2009. Boasting no chill filtration and no added colouring this whisky is so close to how whisky was made in the 19th century it will take you back many years. Fresh clean spirit full of malted barley characters and natural flavours.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Cereals and porridge oats gives way to vanilla, honey and grated coconut. There’s some toffee sweetness and ripe peaches.

Taste: Big and oily, chocolate, toffee and peaches progresses with apricots and malty goodness.

Finish: There’s pears and apples and more peaches and again plenty of fresh malty cereal flavours around.