Distiller Notes
#15 Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2019
Bere Barley is a six-row heritage variety that has long since been forgotten from the modern world of standardized whisky making. Its revival into present day has taken effort and resilience from an entire network of millers, growers and agronomists. Bruichladdich's Bere project is dedicated to those like-minded souls, who have preserved a legacy and found modern applications in flavorful food and drinks, whatever the odds. This Bruichladdich Bere Barley was distilled in 2010 from a 2009 harvest, brought home by Peter, John, Magnus, Sydney and Duncan on the Orkney Islands.
An absolute delight to behold, from the outstanding texture to the intensity of the fruit, this ancient grain yet again confirms their barley exploration is based on distillation for flavor not yield. This particular vintage has an intensity and range of flavor seldom seen before but inspires us yet again to continue their journey.
Professional Ratings
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Whisky Advocate
Distilling with heirloom grains has become commonplace in the U.S., but much less so in Scotland. With this utterly unique single malt made from the historic Bere barley variety, Bruichladdich reexamines whisky flavors starting with the raw material. Herbal pine bough, salted almond, and tropical fruit appear on the nose, followed by a creamy mouthfeel with intense chocolate, pepper, citrus oil, pine sap, and perfumy chamomile flavors. The full, round finish has rose petal, white pepper, and vanilla overlaying a delicate but pronounced structure.
Bruichladdich is a small, entrepreneurial distillery located on the remote Scottish island of Islay. Dedicated to the preservation of hand-distillation methods, Bruichladdich takes an approach of nonstop exploration of barley, peat and cask in its creation of diverse and innovative Single Malt whiskies.
Islay is a world-famous whisky destination, home to eight single malt distilleries renowned for Peated Single Malts. Located at the southernmost end of west scotland's hebridean archipelago, Islay enjoys a windswept, oceanic climate and a largely agricultural community, making it perfect for creating single malt whiskies. Built in 1881 by the three Harvey Brothers, Bruichladdich Distillery was the first purpose-built distillery on the island – the most progressive of its time.
Revived from closure in 2001 by two wine merchants, Bruichladdich Distillery has since been committed to the ideas of transparency and 'terroir' in Scotch; concentrating on the provenance of whisky's raw ingredients and the distillery's connection to the land. Sourcing all of its barley directly from Scottish farmers [rather than on the global commodities market], and warehousing and bottling all of its spirit onsite — Bruichladdich has cemented its reputation as a maverick young producer among Islay Distilleries.
Continuing to make whisky the old fashioned way today, Bruichladdich is the largest private employer on the island and provides nearly 100 full time jobs, putting the distillery at the heart of the regeneration of Islay’s small community.
100% conceived, distilled, matured & bottled only on Islay.
“A good gulp of hot Scotch Whisky at bedtime–it’s not very scientific, but it helps!”
Alexander Fleming, Scottish inventor of penicillin, prescribed it as a cure for the common cold. Today Single Malt Scotch Whiskies are prized by enthusiasts and aficionados the world over for their rarity, age and complexity. By definition these must be produced in Scotland from a single distillery and made entirely from malted barley, using a pot still. The appearance, aroma and flavor of a Single Malt Scotch Whisky can vary widely depending on whether it was produced in the Highlands, Lowlands Islands, Speyside, Islay or Campbelltown regions.