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Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011
Our Islay barley series has always been a mission. For many years now we've 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.
100% Malted Barley
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Part of the Remy Cointreau family of brands.
Note: This whisky is part of an ongoing series, with variability between each release due to differences in mash bill, barrels used, age profile, and others. If the specific version is not listed, ask your server or a store employee for more info.
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Nose: From the outset this is overtly floral and fruity. Slow distillation yet again brings out the best from the Islay grown Barley, the abundance of soft fruit notes and delicate floral style of this dram is shared with our past Islay grown releases. Typical Bruichladdich style fruit notes of crisp apple and ripe pear along with peach and dried apricot are further enhanced with lemon drops, grapefruit and orange zest. There is a vast array of flavour rising from this whisky as it opens further. The oak and cereal components come through after the fruit, pipe tobacco and vanilla notes mingle with barley sugar and caramel wafers, as ever a distinct marine tang hangs in the air.
Palate: A sweet spot in the maturation of an incredible whisky. A chance to see the elements at work as the young spirit showing green fruits, apple, pear and gooseberry transitions to peach, apricot and mango with the influence of time. The careful selection of casks holds this moment perfectly in balance as their contribution to the ageing of the spirit brings oak depth, vanilla and coconut sweetness and lemon/grapefruit zest without overpowering the sweetness of the malt or the profound cereal notes that come from the Islay grown barley. The structure is firm, the texture luxurious, carrying the DNA of this island.
Finish: The finish is about the fruit, dried apricot from the oak and lemon, kiwi and caramel wafer. A warm sand, marine note lingers as the Islay maturation tells its part of the story. As this whisky lingers on the palate it puts you in mind of the construction and structure to its form. Each element, distillation, time, cask and barley have a clear influence yet not one dominates another as this whisky reaches a crossroads in its development. This vintage is at the perfect stage to appreciate all that it is as it lays bare its DNA, its philosophy and its quality.
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Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2010
Bere barley is a heritage variety of barley that never quite reached peak popularity with farmers or distillers, owing to its low yield. It never made the 'recommended growing list' for farmers, and so sowing the seed fell out of fashion. The ancient landrace would have been all but lost if it were not for the resurrection mission forged by the Barony Mill with the helping hand of the Orkney College (UHI Agronomy Institute). This 2011 vintage of whisky, distilled from the six-row grain grown on Orkney in the summer of 2010, is a testament to the longevity of the Bere partnership that started back in 2005. Certainly no ordinary bottle of single malt, it's uniqueness has layers; in its unorthodox method of barley supply, its academic interest owing to genetic diversity and perhaps most importantly to us, its intensely unctuous, barley-sugar-sweet flavour.
100% Malted Barley
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Part of the Remy Cointreau family of brands.
Note: This whisky is part of an ongoing series, with variability between each release due to differences in mash bill, barrels used, age profile, and others. If the specific version is not listed, ask your server or a store employee for more info.
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Nose: Intense fruit, ripe pear and peaches in syrup, lemon meringue pie, fresh linens, oak, honey, vanilla, hints of cinder, coconut, toffee and fudge.
Palate: On the palate are sweet fruit and oak notes, candied peaches, chocolate, honey, cinder, toffee and apricot jam. There is an amazing sweetness from the oak and malt.
Finish: On the finish are notes of apple, pear and peach notes.
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