Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011

Whisky Tasting : The Oak Barrel, Sydney, 14 January 2021. Whisky #1 Nose: Initially there are sweet malty aromas with hints of syrup and sandalwood. A little pepper and cinnamon (like the smell of cinnamon candy) and yeasty spices become apparent next and there is a quality vaguely reminiscent of rye whiskey. As you dig deeper, crisp lime zest and sourdough bread show through and there is a light floral note. No smoke, maybe some barrel char, but the oak influence is very light here – this is highly distillate driven. With water it loses its crisp quality and the rye notes appear more as musty cereal. Palate: Firm arrival with spicy ginger verging on hot cinnamon but with a counterpoint of sweet rich malt. Slightly salty with grassy herbal notes in the development together with pepper and clove. These herbal flavours gain complexity over repeated sips with bay leaf, olive, sage and a hint of cardamom appearing. There is also a quiet red-wine cask influence in the background. It provides a suggestion of tart red berries but is more obviously noticed through a toasty tannic influence. The texture is oily but drying. Finish: Medium. Lemon-tinged cereal and a little bit of grippy tannin. Grassy and herbal in the aftertaste. A fine, well textured and enjoyable malt, although maybe just a fraction too young. Its youthfulness does not show up as a fault per se but I had the impression that with another 2-4 years of maturation under its belt this could be something quite special. Compared to some of the earlier Islay Barley expressions that derived from single farm crops (for example the 2006 Dunlossit and 2007 Rockside Farm) this has a similar aroma and flavour profile but somehow seems less “fresh”. That’s a vague descriptor, I know, but I’m not sure how else to express it. Tasting those earlier single-terroir whiskies evoked memories of standing near the sea on Islay in a fresh, chill breeze. This whisky, although good, does not have that magic. “Good” : 84/100 (3.75 stars)

I didn't know what to expect with the Islay Barley. At 50% ABV, I recommend giving it time to breathe before nosing otherwise you're in for a sharp surprise. That said, with the passage of time, the aromas kept changing on me by revealing flavours I never thought were even relatable to whisky. I had the age of this Scotch pegged between 5-7 years (I later learned it's 6) because the initial profiles on the nose were characteristic of a young whisky - think green apples and grapes (much like Arran's Robert Burns). However, the profile then evolved into a gentler, more muted sweetness in the form of custard and red bean. The palate was the biggest surprise. I was anticipating sweet, floral notes, but instead was hit with peppery spices and salt. The finish unboxed flavours of the ocean such as sea salt, kelp, brine, and slight peat - likely the environmental influence of the Islay barley. There is some sweetness in there, but you'll find it on the tail-end of the finish which, again, was very muted. For a young whisky, I'd argue that this Bruichladdich experiment was a success! The biggest surprise for me was how the flavour profile kept evolving which made my dram so much more challenging yet enjoyable. If you're lucky to find yourself a bottle somewhere on the shelf, I'd recommend you buy it! NOSE: Caramelized pears, slight peat, McIntosh apples, sultana, light oak, strawberries, malted barley, red bean paste, egg custard PALATE: Peppered spice, peat, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger root, mild honey FINISH: Brine, sea salt, seaweed, kelp, grass, malt, red bean paste, slight peat Rating: 86/100 Grade: B Good – not a “must”, but a nice-to-have.

One of the distilleries that didn’t leave a very good impression after a initial tasting some time ago, but that I still intend to like. So another secondary comparison-tasting this time with “the Organic”, the “Islay Barley” and the “Port Charlotte OLC:01”. Nose: pineapple, tomato juice, barley whole grains, a recurring Bruichladdich style but with very different additional aromas, banana, almost minty, some fresh honey as well, herbs, milky chocolate, water melon, smooth and sweet, cola, interesting & intriguing. Later: condensed milk, even sweeter. Palate: sharp and hot at first, but that gives way to a lingering sweetness that also has a smoky note. On the second sip the heat and burn is kinda gone and it gets more malty sweet. Finish: a soft herbs- and spices-mix (including an interesting and quite present laurel / bay leaf taste ... very nice), and really a smokey after taste I like it. I mean it feels young for sure but that fresh intensity and very interesting sub-notes on the nose and palate are really interesting which makes for a diverse experience.

Okay so I have Islay Barley 2011 Edition for this review. I love all the Bruichladdich Ive tried. Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte standard and 10 yr are all just great. This scotch being unpeated is very similar to Classic Laddie(see my review for full notes). Its got that pure malty scotch goodness alongside light smoke and barrel char. This has more brightness and lets call it lemon pepper seasoning than Laddie which carries more honey. Slightly different but still delish this is for scotch purists who care about terroir. I wont buy this again as it cost $15 more than Classic in my area which I prefer but absolutely no regrets . Furthermore some may prefer the extra spice. If you have never had any Bruichladdich this is still highly recommended........89/100........PC10 and Classic Laddie are magnificent though imo

On the nose: peach, apricot, vanilla, maybe strawberry. All organic fruity sweetness On the palate: the nose represents the flavor well! Peaches, apricots, nectarines, a touch of maltiness (to be expected with the youth of the spirit), vanilla custard, honey, and some brininess that makes it taste almost a touch smoky (it is an Islay after all, though it is unpeated). The flavors and texture are very full thanks to the 50% Overall, this is a super fruity and full dram! A stone fruit lover’s whisky for sure! Another killer expression from Bruichladdich!

NOSE Sunkist fruit gems, orange zest, honied fruit, malty sweetness, touch of baking spice. Richly sweet and fruity, the aroma manages an uneasy balnace. PALATE Sunkist fruit gems, orange zest, honied fruit, earthy malt, dried orahcard fruit, touch of baking spice, nuts and lemon zest A bit deepr on the earth notes and a bit bolder on the fruity notes and much more complex all around. FINISH Medium -> Fruity, earthy malt and baking spice.