Description
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 700ml is an unpeated single malt from Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, made entirely from barley grown on the island. The barley, Concerto and Propino varieties, came from eight Islay farms close to the distillery, and the spirit was distilled in 2014. It is bottled at 50% ABV, matured mainly in first-fill bourbon casks, with the farms and vintage stated so drinkers can trace where the grain came from.
Buy Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 Online in NZ
Bruichladdich was built in 1881 on the shore of Loch Indaal, on Islay’s Rhinns peninsula. After sitting silent for much of the 1990s it reopened in 2001, and its new owners set out to make whisky with a clear sense of origin. Unlike most of its Islay neighbours, the distillery’s flagship spirit is unpeated, which lets the character of the barley and the casks come through rather than smoke.
The Islay Barley series is the clearest expression of that idea. Each release uses grain grown on the island by local farmers, and Bruichladdich now works with around 20 Islay farming partners who supply a large share of its barley. Growing barley on a windswept Hebridean island is harder than on the Scottish mainland, so these bottlings are a statement about terroir as much as flavour. Comparing one Islay Barley vintage with the next is a good way to see how growing seasons and farms change the spirit.
Try it neat first, then add a few drops of water, which tends to bring out softer fruit and a light coastal note at this strength. It sits well with smoked salmon, Islay-style seafood chowder or a mild hard cheese.
- Unpeated Islay single malt from Bruichladdich
- 100% Islay-grown Concerto and Propino barley
- Bottled at 50% ABV
Expect malty digestive biscuit, apricot and peach on the nose with a hint of fresh-cut grass. The palate is cereal-led and fruity, with vanilla from the bourbon casks, and the finish brings a subtle maritime note.
A good pick for anyone curious about how place and farm-grown barley shape a single malt, or for fans of unpeated Islay whisky.
