The 2011 vintage of Islay Barley whisky from “Progressive Hebridean Distillers”, Bruichladdich.

A popular and rather noteworthy range, Bruichladdich’s Islay Barley places emphasis on “terroir” – with the distillery attempting to demonstrate the importance of soil, microclimate and geographic location on the barley that makes the whisky. Considering the significance of barley to producing single malt whisky, this series marks a fascinating experiment in distilling, and it is surprising that more distilleries haven’t followed suit.

All the barley used for this bottling was distilled on Islay, at the Coull, Rockside, Island, Cruach, Mulindry and Starchmill farms, found in the island’s western and central regions.

The whisky itself has been aged for six years in a combination of 75% ex Bourbon American oak casks, and 25% ex-Wine European oak casks. The result is a lively dram that still bears some spritely youthful notes. Drinkers can expect notes of bright greengages, apples, gooseberry, peach, mango, some subtle red fruits, coconut, vanilla, pressed flowers (a classic ‘Laddich note), pears, subtle tobacco smoke, light cinnamon, grassy malt, oats, orange zest, sea spray and soft oak.

A beautifully crafted dram, bottled at 50% ABV and without chill filtration or colouration.

• Product type
  Single Malt
• Distillery / brand
  Bruichladdich
• Country
  Scotland
• Region
  Islay
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• Distillation date
  2011
• Age
  6 years old
• Non-chillfiltered
  Yes
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  041259