Situated on the southwestern tip of the Hebridean island of Islay, Bruichladdich Distillery has long-explored barley. Since it was brought back to life in 2001, the distillery has gone on a mission to explore the concept of terroir in single malt whisky, showcased in the newly released 2012 vintage of unpeated single malt.
In bringing forth some ideas of connection from the world of wine, Bruichladdich has focussed on the connection between the liquid and its ingredients; from the soil it was grown in, the climate it was exposed to, the varietal, how it was grown and those who gave it life.
The distillery has perfectly showcased this exploration through the creation of its home-grown Islay barley range. Raymond Stewart’s Islay barley project has developed into quite the success story since it began in 2004. Now, there are 19 farmers growing barley across the island, allowing Bruichladdich to dive into the exploration of subtle nuances in the primary ingredient used.
This community project is showcased in liquid form in the newly released 2012 vintage of unpeated single malt. Barley grown in 2011 by eight farmers from western and central farms has been dried, malted and later distilled in 2012. The barley-forward spirit has matured in a combination of 75% first fill American whisky casks and 25% French wine casks.
Adam Hannett, head distillery at Bruichladdich said: “The components at work in this whisky come together to tell the story of where this whisky is from. 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.”
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012 will arrive in retailers and online at Bruichladdich.com from February 2021. It has been bottled at the distillery on Islay at 50% ABV and will replace the current vintage of Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011 within the barley exploration range.
In bringing forth some ideas of connection from the world of wine, Bruichladdich has focussed on the connection between the liquid and its ingredients; from the soil it was grown in, the climate it was exposed to, the varietal, how it was grown and those who gave it life.
The distillery has perfectly showcased this exploration through the creation of its home-grown Islay barley range. Raymond Stewart’s Islay barley project has developed into quite the success story since it began in 2004. Now, there are 19 farmers growing barley across the island, allowing Bruichladdich to dive into the exploration of subtle nuances in the primary ingredient used.
This community project is showcased in liquid form in the newly released 2012 vintage of unpeated single malt. Barley grown in 2011 by eight farmers from western and central farms has been dried, malted and later distilled in 2012. The barley-forward spirit has matured in a combination of 75% first fill American whisky casks and 25% French wine casks.
Adam Hannett, head distillery at Bruichladdich said: “The components at work in this whisky come together to tell the story of where this whisky is from. 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.”
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012 will arrive in retailers and online at Bruichladdich.com from February 2021. It has been bottled at the distillery on Islay at 50% ABV and will replace the current vintage of Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011 within the barley exploration range.
