Bruichladdich has released its Islay Barley 2012 Scotch Whisky. The new offering will replace the Islay distillery’s 2011 vintage.
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012 was produced using barley grown in 2011 by eight farmers (Coull, Rockside, Sunderland, Island, Mulindry, Starchmill, Cruach, and Dunlossit) 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.
On the nose, the 2012 vintage Scotch offers delicate, light, floral notes and a creamy vanilla with rich, floral honey rise from the glass. Kiwi, melon, coconut, and ripe pear freshness combine into a fruity citrus style to provide that zesty, sweet signature of the Islay grain and the slow trickle distillation. The finish is described as “a salty sea breeze with lingering hints of the charred oak, sweet salty caramel, and brown sugar.” While the palate features melon and a creamy texture.
“The components at work in this whisky come together to tell the story of where this whisky is from,” said Adam Hannett, head distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery. “It speaks of its place in the world with honesty and openness – Islay-grown barley, Islay distillation and Islay maturation. There’s honesty and pride at the heart of this single malt.”
Bottled at 50% ABV, Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012 is available from various specialty retailers via the brand’s official website for £55 ($76 USD) per 700ml.
In January, Bruichladdich won a grant to explore the use of alternative non-fossil fuels at its distillery. The Islay distillery’s funding is part of the United Kingdom’s £10 million (US$13.5m) Green Distilleries fund.
The Small Business Research Initiative Green Distilleries Competition awarded more than £70,000 to Bruichladdich’s project partner, Protium Green Solutions, to complete a feasibility study on incorporating hydrogen combustion technology at its Islay facility. Bruichladdich has been exploring alternative fuel sources for some time now, and with the new funding, each viable option, including wind, solar and biomass power, will continue to be explored alongside a new hydrogen fuel feasibility project.
