This Bruichladdich release is meant to highlight the unique flavor of the Bere barley varietal. In doing so, they also stick to their sustainability commitment by promoting genetic diversity and responsible land management. Bere barley is Britain’s oldest continuously cultivated cereal. Apparently, Bere barley was once more prominently used in the production of Scotch, but being a lower-yield variety its use diminished. This particular whisky utilizes Bere barley grown in Orkney.
Whisky: Bruichladdich 10 Year (2013) Bere Barley
Country/Region: Scotland/Islay
ABV: 50%
Cask: 80% 1st Fill Bourbon, 20% 2nd Fill Pauillac Wine
Age: 10 Years (Distilled 2013, Bottled 2023)
Color: Golden fields of barley. Fitting, I know.
Nose: Lactic. Sweet malt. Caramel apple. Vanilla. Stone fruit. Grass. Lemon.
Palate: Sweet, creamy malt. Stone fruit and melon. Brown sugar. Vanilla. Salt.
Finish: Sweet. Cognac. Creme brûlée. Honey. Tobacco.
Score: 7
Mental Image: Sweet, salty barley wine.
Overall, this is quite lovely. Is there a lot going on? Is it exceptional? No. But in my experience, these (and the Port Charlotte) Barley exploration releases are scrumptious daily sippers. Great warm-up drams. On their own, simple yet contemplative and a joy to return to. The wine cask on this iteration added a nice, delicate, sweet twist on some of the typical Laddie fair. I’ve heard others describe this as hot and/or peppery, but I found none of that here. Smooth and rounded. Well-integrated.
Tasted as part of a Bruichladdich/Octomore tasting put on by Dramfool.