Bruichladdich 8 yo Islay Barley 2012

“We want to support people who grow for flavor, those champions of heritage and natural crops. By partnering with them we can find new and long-forgotten flavors, reconnecting our whisky with its vital raw ingredients.”

Adam Hannett , Head Distillery, Bruichladdich

Time for some new Bruichladich Islay barley. Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012 was produced using barley grown on Islay in 2011 by eight farmers from western and central farms on Islay, which was dried, malted and distilled in 2012. The unpeated whisky was matured in a mix of first-fill American whiskey casks (75%) and French wine casks (25%) for a minimum of eight years. The expression replaces the 2011 vintage within the distillery’s barley exploration range. The Barley is 100% islay grown, consisting of Concerto, Oxbridge, Propino, and Publican varieties.

Bruichladdich 8 yo Islay Barley 2012 , 50% abv

Nose: Quite fresh and citrusy at first, with some orange/ lemon zest as well as a hint of floral/grassy notes, and also some lactic quality you can spot right away (this is a Bruichladdich after all), apple and pear drops add a nice fruity dimension to it as well as toasted coconut and cereals/bread quality as well. Quite a light cand risp profile but rather complex for its age.

Palate: A nice entry with oak, and a bread-y cereal-y backbone to it with creamy vanilla on top, sweet pastries as well, then the fruit kicks in in the form of pears/apple and maybe a hint of unripe melon and some orange zest as well, very malty, you can almost chew on fresh buns and bread notes. The Lactic qualities are not to be found on the palate (like it or not).

Finish: Oak and lots of it, some toasted wood, a hint of salt / brine , some vanilla and caramel, and maybe some bitter cocoa powder.

Conclusion : Very well made, rich and complex enough for its age, with a nice fruity / cerealy profile that’s easy drinking yet well made. Good stuff all in all.

Score: 86/100