2011 Bruichladdich Islay Barley Unpeated Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

At Bruichladdich, they’re convinced that the origin of barley effects flavour, and that a whisky’s taste profile is affected by the varieties of barley used, where it’s grown, and by annual climatic variation. Hence, the "Islay Barley" series of unpeated malts offering a provenance that varies ”much like vintages of fine wine.”

The 2011 edition employs barley from six different sites across the island. Matured for six years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-wine casks, like the earlier releases, it's bottled at high strength and non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Distilled from Oxbridge and Publican barley varieties grown on six Islay farms. Lime, brine, oatmeal cookies, and custard on the nose. Sweet barley, apricots, sultanas, cloves, and quite tannic oak on the palate. Malt and sea salt in the medium-length finish. 50% Alc./Vol. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Fall 2019)

Notes from Bruichladdich... 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.