Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011

Whisky Tasting: The Oak Barrel, Sydney, January 14, 2021. Whisky #1. Aroma: Initially, there are sweet malty scents with hints of syrup and sandalwood. Some pepper and cinnamon (like the smell of cinnamon candy) and yeasty spices appear next, with a quality somewhat reminiscent of rye whiskey. Digging deeper, bright lime zest and sourdough bread show through, and there's a light floral note. No smoke, perhaps some barrel char, but the oak influence is very mild here – this is highly distillate-driven. With water, it loses its brightness, and the rye notes emerge more as musty grain. Palate: A firm start with spicy ginger, bordering on hot cinnamon, but balanced by sweet, rich malt. Slightly salty with grassy herbal notes developing alongside pepper and clove. These herbal flavors gain complexity with repeated sips, revealing bay leaf, olive, sage, and a hint of cardamom. There's also a subtle red-wine cask influence in the background. It offers a suggestion of tart red berries but is more obviously perceived through a toasty, tannic effect. The texture is oily but drying. Finish: Medium. Lemon-tinged grain and a bit of grippy tannin. Grassy and herbal in the aftertaste. A fine, well-textured, and enjoyable malt, although perhaps just a bit too young. Its youthfulness doesn't present as a flaw per se, but I felt that with another 2-4 years of aging, this could be something quite special. Compared to some earlier Islay Barley expressions from single farm crops (for example, the 2006 Dunlossit and 2007 Rockside Farm), this has a similar aroma and flavor profile but somehow seems less "fresh." That's a vague description, I know, but I'm not sure how else to put it. Tasting those earlier single-terroir whiskies brought to mind standing by the sea on Islay in a cool, fresh breeze. This whisky, although good, lacks that magic. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars).

Uncertain about the Islay Barley initially. At 50% ABV, allowing it to aerate is advised before smelling, or a sharp sensation awaits. With time, the scents shifted, revealing unexpected whisky flavors. I guessed its age between 5-7 years (later learned it was 6) due to initial notes resembling young whisky—like green apples and grapes (similar to Arran's Robert Burns). Then, the profile softened into a mellow sweetness of custard and red bean. The taste was the main surprise. Expecting sweet, floral notes, I instead encountered peppery spices and salt. The conclusion brought forth tastes of the sea like salt, kelp, and brine, with a hint of peat—likely from the Islay barley's environment. Some sweetness is present, but it appears at the very end of the finish, and it's quite subtle. For a young spirit, this Bruichladdich trial was a triumph! The evolving flavor profile was the biggest shock, making my dram more complex and pleasing. If you happen to spot a bottle, it's worth purchasing! NOSE: Candied pears, faint peat, McIntosh apples, sultana, light oak, strawberries, malted barley, red bean paste, egg custard PALATE: Peppery spice, peat, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger root, mild honey FINISH: Brine, sea salt, seaweed, kelp, grass, malt, red bean paste, faint peat Rating: 86/100 Grade: B Good – not essential, but a pleasant addition.

This distillery didn't leave a strong positive impression from an earlier tasting, but I still wanted to enjoy it. So, I conducted another comparative tasting with "the Organic," "Islay Barley," and "Port Charlotte OLC:01." Aroma: Offers pineapple, tomato juice, whole barley grains, a familiar Bruichladdich style but with very different additional scents like banana, an almost minty quality, some fresh honey, herbs, milky chocolate, watermelon, smooth and sweet, cola, intriguing and interesting. Later on, it becomes even sweeter, reminiscent of condensed milk. Taste: It's sharp and hot initially, but this gives way to a lasting sweetness with a smoky undertone. The second sip reduces the heat and burn, bringing out more malty sweetness. Finish: A gentle blend of herbs and spices, including a notably present and pleasant bay leaf taste, followed by a smoky aftertaste. I find myself enjoying it. While it certainly feels young, the fresh intensity and the very interesting undertones in the aroma and taste create a diverse experience.

Okay, I am reviewing the Islay Barley 2011 Edition. I enjoy all the Bruichladdich spirits I've tried. Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte standard, and 10 yr are all excellent. This unpeated scotch is very similar to Classic Laddie (see my review for complete notes). It has that pure malty scotch character along with light smoke and barrel char. This has more brightness and, let's call it, lemon pepper seasoning than the Laddie, which has more honey. Slightly different but still delicious; this is for scotch purists who value terroir. I won't buy this again as it costs $15 more than the Classic in my area, which I prefer, but I have absolutely no regrets. Furthermore, some may prefer the extra spice. If you've never had any Bruichladdich, this is still highly recommended... 89/100... PC10 and Classic Laddie are magnificent, in my opinion.

Aroma: peach, apricot, vanilla, possibly strawberry. All organically sweet fruit. Palate: The aroma accurately reflects the flavor! Peaches, apricots, nectarines, a hint of maltiness (expected given the spirit's youth), vanilla custard, honey, and a slight brininess that gives it an almost smoky quality (it is an Islay, though unpeated). The flavors and texture are quite full due to the 50% ABV. Overall, this is an exceptionally fruity and substantial dram! Definitely a whisky for stone fruit enthusiasts! Another excellent expression from Bruichladdich!

NOSE Orange candy, citrus peel, honeyed orchard fruit, grain sweetness, hint of cinnamon. Generously sweet and fruity, the scent strikes a precarious equilibrium. PALATE Orange candy, citrus peel, honeyed orchard fruit, soil-tinged malt, dried apricot, hint of cinnamon, walnuts and lemon peel. A little more profound on the soil notes and a little more assertive on the fruit notes and significantly more intricate overall. FINISH Medium -> Fruity, soil-tinged malt and cinnamon.