Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014

Bruichladdich was built by Barnett Harvey in 1881. Five years later, the Bruichladdich Distillery Company was founded and renovation and refurbishment commenced. The "Laddie", as it is affectionately known, is often considered to be the fruitiest, most inventive Islay malt and, indeed, there has been some contention as to whether it has truly attained Islay-status. Bruichladdich countered this with the introduction of the Port Charlotte range and later with the 2008-released Octomore, the world's most heavily peated whisky with a phenol content of 131ppm. Then the distillery went almost the complete opposite direction and created The Botanist Gin!

The gentle character of the spirit is attributed by some to the milder weather conditions at Bruichladdich's locality, sheltered, as it is, from Mother Nature by the Rhinns, the rugged Islay mountain range. Following the death of the then owner, Barnett's son William Harvey IV in 1936, the distillery was run by Kenneth Harvey and sold a year later to Joseph Hobbs for the sum of £23,000. Silent for the latter part of the Second World War, Bruichladdich closed its in-house maltings in 1961, bringing malt in from the Islay maltings at Port Ellen. Enjoying good fortunes, further stills were added in 1975 to grapple increasing demand.

Blenders Whyte and Mackay acquired the distillery under Invergordon Distillers in 1993. Just two years later, production ceased and in 2000 the distillery was purchased by Murray McDavid for £6.5m. The former Bowmore manager, Jim McEwan was brought in as Production Director, and in July of 2001 distillation began once more. Today the range is vast; many cask finishes, or 'ACE'd (additional cask enhancement) whiskies, have been released as well as the formerly mentioned peated offerings and, following a few successful years, the "Laddie's" future looks promising.

Islay Barley Release

Celebrate the purest expression of terroir with Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014. Fully traceable and high provenance, a medley of apricot and peach complements the cereal-forward single malt, with a subtle maritime note nodding to the whisky’s all Islay harvest, distillation and maturation.

For almost two decades, Bruichladdich have shown the permanence of their commitment to barley provenance. Aided by the determination and resilience of our local farming partners, Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 is the latest vintage of the unpeated, locally grown single malt.

Distilled using barley grown solely on Islay, the single malt truly celebrates place and provenance. The latest Islay Barley vintage is distilled from barley grown on eight local farms, all within an 11-mile radius of Bruichladdich Distillery.

Fully traceable from farm to glass, Islay Barley 2014 has been matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks, sherry butts and second-fill wine casks, balancing the influence of the oak with the locally grown barley.

The result is a cereal-forward single malt with notes of apricot and peach, malty digestive biscuit, and a hint of fresh grass. A subtle maritime note also lingers, nodding to the whisky’s all Islay harvest, distillation and maturation.

FARMS: Coull, Rockside, Island, Mulindry, Cruach, Dunlossit, Craigens and Sunderland Farm

Tasting Notes

Nose: Delicate floral notes along with sweet malt and ripe grain open on the nose. Hints of pepper and soft spices follow before the dram reveals soft stoned fruits and creamy vanilla. Creamy vanilla, a hint of coconut, butterscotch, and brown sugar come from the oak, alongside delicate notes of nutmeg and hazelnut. Fruit notes continue to open, with fragrant peach, honeyed melon, pear drops and warm banana bread.

Palate: Creamy vanilla and lemon are immediate on the palate, with a peppery nutmeg spice giving way to sweet malt, warm porridge and popcorn. The depth of flavour and creamy, viscous texture is typical of our Islay barley style, with the natural oils from the barley enhanced with layers of sweet citrus, tropical fruit and fragrant peach. The combination of American and French oak makes for a beautifully balanced expression, with a drop of water bringing out subtle marine notes.

Finish: Sweet, stoned fruits settle on the palate with creamy vanilla custard and a touch of coconut, while a delicate floral note lingers.