Bruichladdich BERE BARLEY 2012 50% Vol. 0,7l

CREATED WITH UTMOST RESPECT, FROM GRAIN TO GLASS

THE 2011 CROP OF BERE WAS GROWN AND SUPPLIED BY THE AGRONOMY INSTITUTE OF ORKNEY COLLEGE (UHI) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SYDNEY GAULD (QUOYBERSTANE).

Bere is Britain’s oldest strain of cultivated cereal and would have been used by Scotland’s early distillers through distant centuries. However, in the 20th century an emphasis on efficiency and commercial return encouraged the pursuit of yield over flavour – favouring varieties that would produce the easiest crop and greatest extract.

As champions of flavour, we’ve been working with the University of the Highlands and Islands’ Agronomy Institute since 2005 to reintroduce Bere barley to the distilling of single malt whisky.

However, its importance stretches beyond whisky making. It is believed that this varietal has huge potential for the future of food production.

Sown in April for a September harvest, the 2011 growing season was mostly warm and dry, until the crucial cutting time when there were very few days free from rain. Maturing for over ten patient years in first fill ex-bourbon casks, the understated maturation of this 2012 vintage delicately balances an unctuous texture and malty, sweet fruit flavour.

TASTING NOTES

CHARACTER

The 2012 Vintage is another stunning example of the viscous texture and wonderful depth and concentration of flavour we see from our Bere Barley. It is unique, a single vintage and a barley variety that gives flavour like no other.

COLOUR

Marzipan yellow

NOSE

Complex and alluring, there is a wonderful combination of fruity and floral notes on the nose. Oak comes through with zesty lime and green apple, followed by fragrant honeysuckle and creamy vanilla. The Bere barley provides a tart robustness with hints of hay and barley sugar sweetness, with a peach note growing as the dram opens further.

PALATE

Firm and well rounded, Bere barley and stoned fruit glide across the palate bringing waves of apricot, ripe peach and stewed apple. Chocolate lime hints at the zesty richness of the spirit before barley sugar and warm scones bring a remarkable depth of flavour from the malt. Marine notes of sun kissed sand and sea shells follow, moving to marzipan, mellow oak and coconut.

FINISH

Long and delicate, the finish has notes of gingerbread, milk chocolate, marzipan, creamy vanilla and apricot jam. A subtle marine note lingers along with a hint of barley sugar.

SPECIFICATIONS

• BARLEY PROVENANCE: 100% Bere barley grown by the Agronomy Institute of Orkney College (UHI)
• MALTING: Unpeated
• DISTILLATION: Distilled in 2012 from the 2011 harvest
• AGE: 10 Aged Years
• MATURATION PROFILE: All full-term maturation in first fill bourbon casks for 10 years
• STRENGTH: 50% ABV