Bruichladdich, Islay Barley 2007, 50 %

Review #260

Bruichladdich have made some expressions with barley from different local Islay sources. In this 2007 expression they have used barley from Rockside Farm. My first initial thoughts on the nose is roughness. Not rough from the alcohol, but in the windy outdoor way. A farmers whisky. Dirt, earth and grass mixed with vanilla and marzipan sweetness. The alcohol is actually not very aggressive on the nose considering it is 50 %.

The taste have some Islay maritime character, but without the normal peat you get from Islay whiskies. Again the vanilla, marzipan and some nuts appears and lingers into the finish. Rough grass and hay notes as well.

This is really a farmers whisky mixed with a great coastal touch. With some water some citrusy notes appears, but really not much happens, besides mellowing it down. I will rate this 87/100 (21/22/22/22).