Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013, is the eighth edition of this unpeated, locally grown single malt. This 2013 edition was distilled from the 2012 harvest, raised across seven islay farms. It is matured in a selection of first fill American oak casks (75%), and Ribera del Duero, Syrah and Pauillac wine casks (25%), the resulting malt has honeyed porridge and lemon meringue pie notes.
700ml at 50% alc./vol.
TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE
Apricot
NOSE
This is stunning on the nose. The freshness and purity of the spirit is striking. A kaleidoscope of vibrant aromas pour from the glass, first, citrus and honey notes emerge before stoned fruit, dried apricot, and the perfume of ripe peaches. Sweet notes of marzipan, yellow flowers, vanilla pods, and then zephyrs of spice, cereal, and marine breeze. With time the oak notes elevate as the vanilla, Crème-Brulee, caramel and wood spices come to the fore. Then gentle hints of cinnamon and ginger cake and syrup add to the anticipation of tasting.
TASTE
The oak cradles the soft fruit of distillation with a perfect balance and harmony. The delicate sweetness and luscious texture are like velvet on the palate. The balance of those sweet ripe stoned fruit flavours with the vanilla, caramel and brown sugar notes of the oak is perfect, this vintage of Islay barley is bottled at just the right moment to capture the DNA of our island and the whisky we distil on its shores. Add a touch of water and watch as the natural oils react in the glass releasing wonderful floral notes of hawthorn and heather to add to the complexity and depth of this remarkable whisky.
FINISH
The finish is a testament to the quality of distillation. As the expression of that marine tang with the sweet citrus and honeyed oaked notes tells the story of our whisky and where it comes from. Natural whisky with no chill filtration means you will experience as long and gentle a finish as you ever thought possible.
