Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014
$107.99
This unpeated Bruichladdich is a 2014 vintage, produced from Propino and Concerto barley varietals, grown at 5 farms on Islay: "Coull, Rockside, Island, Mulindry, Cruach, Dunlossit, Craigens and Sunderland Farms." The whisky was matured in: "matured in first-fill bourbon casks (80%) along with a combination of second-fill sherry butts (5%) and second-fill wine casks (15%)." 50%
Producer Description
"For almost two decades, we have shown the permanence of our commitment to barley provenance. Aided by the determination and resilience of our local farming partners, Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 is the latest vintage of the unpeated, locally grown single malt.
"Distilled using barley grown solely on Islay, the single malt truly celebrates place and provenance. The latest Islay Barley vintage is distilled from barley grown on eight local farms, all within an 11-mile radius of Bruichladdich Distillery.
"Fully traceable from farm to glass, Islay Barley 2014 has been matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks, sherry butts and second-fill wine casks, balancing the influence of the oak with the locally grown barley.
"The result is a cereal-forward single malt with notes of apricot and peach, malty digestive biscuit, and a hint of fresh grass. A subtle maritime note also lingers, nodding to the whisky’s all Islay harvest, distillation and maturation."
Bruichladdich Octomore 16.1
$269.99
This 5 year old Octomore was distilled in 2019, from a 2018 harvest, peated to 101.4ppm, and bottled after 5 years in ex-Bourbon casks at 59.3%.
Producer Description
"16.1 is crafted using 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto Barley, malted to 101.4 PPM and aged in cask for 5 years, with an ABV of 59.3%. This elegant liquid is matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, bringing forth intense peat smoke with surprising delicacy. Salted caramel, honeyed melon and apricot lead into chocolate and coconut, accompanied by a soft wave of earthy minerality and lingering smoke."
Bruichladdich Octomore 16.2
$279.99
The Octomore 16.2 was made from the same parcel of malt as 16.1, peated to 101.4ppm, but differs in its maturation: "Oloroso and Bordeaux casks, recasked into Madeira and Moscatel for final year of maturation." 2019 vintage, 5 years of age, and 58.1% ABV.
Producer Description
"Using the same batch of Scottish barley malted to the same 101.4ppm, the 16.2 has been housed in a fine selection of Oloroso and Bordeaux casks before being finished in Madeira and Portuguese Moscatel for a rich and complex flavour. Caramelised sugar, roasted nuts, and dried fruits abound, enveloped in sweet campfire smoke.
"Octomore 16.2 is a captivating exploration of contrasting elements. The powerful peat smoke finds a perfect counterpoint in the rich, nuanced sweetness derived from the finishing casks. The result is a multilayered and deeply satisfying dram, showcasing both elegance and robust character. This is a whisky that demands attention and rewards patience, revealing its intricacies with each sip."
Bruichladdich Octomore 16.3
$339.99
Octomore 16.3 is a 2019 vintage, produced from Concerto barley, harvest at Octomore Farm on Islay in 2018, peated to 189.5ppm. The whisky was matured in a mix of Bourbon, Sauternes, and PX Sherry casks before bottling at 5 years and 61.6%.
Producer Description
"Continuing the Series 16 odyssey, this elegant single malt explores the influence of barley grown in Church Field on Octomore Farm, Islay. A symphony of honeyed malt, toasted grain and a distinctive earthiness meet delicate threads of smoke and salinity.
"An Octomore of balance and restraint, this expression showcases the elegance and complexity possible when the spotlight shifts from cask influence to the spirit’s inherent character. It’s an Octomore for contemplation, a quiet giant that reveals its depths slowly, highlighting the interplay of homegrown barley, smoke, and the subtle floral essence of Islay."
Bruichladdich 30 Year
$2,599.99
This 30 year old Bruichladdich was produced from spirit laid down in 1989, 1990, and 1991, all of which was filled into Refill Hogshead casks. Half of the whisky was reracked into fresh Bourbon casks roughly 10 years ago. The two components were married for 3 months in Refill ex-Bourbon casks before bottling at 43%. 88.76pts Whiskybase
Producer Description
"The Bruichladdich Thirty has spent the entirety of its maturation life in handpicked, exceptionally rare ex-Bourbon casks. A limited and refined single malt Scotch whisky, The Bruichladdich Thirty is bottled at 43% bringing the sweetness of toasted oak, honey and soft vanilla to the fore. Delicate yet complex, a hint of dark chocolate complements the spirit’s elegant floral profile while the gentle influence of sea air lingers – a subtle nod to the whisky’s all Islay maturation."
Bruichladdich Organic 2010
$124.99
Distilled in 2009 from organically grown barley harvested in 2008, the whisky was matured 8 years in ex-Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey barrels before bottling at 50%!
Producer Description: "The whisky we distil from the organic barley of Mid Coul reflects the complex natural flavours of the landscape. Just as our stillmen refuse to abandon the traditional crafts of distillation in favour of automation or industrialisation, so farmer William Rose rejects the use of herbicides, pesticides and artificial fertilisers. Crop rotation is key. Our barley must take its turn in a seven year farm cycle that also produces organic cattle, sheep, oats, beans, grass, carrots, market gardening and a megawatt of green electricity. Respecting the land, the soil and the climate nourishes a genuine and thorough understanding of terroir and the results are pure Bruichladdich."
Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012
$124.99
Distilled in 2012, from a 2011 harvest of 100% Bere barley grown by the Agronomy Institute of Orkney College. The whisky was matured in 10 years in First Fill ex-Bourbon casks before bottling at 50%.
Producer Description
"Bere is Britain’s oldest strain of cultivated cereal and would have been used by Scotland’s early distillers through distant centuries. However, in the 20th century an emphasis on efficiency and commercial return encouraged the pursuit of yield over flavour – favouring varieties that would produce the easiest crop and greatest extract.
"As champions of flavour, we’ve been working with the University of the Highlands and Islands’ Agronomy Institute since 2005 to reintroduce Bere barley to the distilling of single malt whisky.
"However, its importance stretches beyond whisky making. It is believed that this varietal has huge potential for the future of food production.
"Sown in April for a September harvest, the 2011 growing season was mostly warm and dry, until the crucial cutting time when there were very few days free from rain. Maturing for over ten patient years in first fill ex-bourbon casks, the understated maturation of this 2012 vintage delicately balances an unctuous texture and malty, sweet fruit flavour."
Bruichladdich Black Art 10.1
$779.99
Distilled in 1992 matured 29 years in a secret assortment of casks, known only to Adam Hannet, before bottling at 45.1%. 91.56pts Whiskybase
Producer Description
"Whisky making is an ancient art, one that has intrigued and captivated for centuries. Black Art 10 is testament to this elusive mastery.
"Pulling exclusively from Bruichladdich Distillery pre renaissance casks which have been patiently maturing on our island home for almost three decades, this finite single malt is secretly created by our Head Distiller, Adam Hannett. What happens inside each cask, under the darkness of the warehouse, remains a mystery.
"Putting our trust in Adam, he is given complete creative freedom to create this incredible whisky. With no rules and no restrictions, Black Art Edition 10.1 is unique and unrepeatable. A chance to experiment and push the boundaries of possibility, only Adam knows what has gone into crafting the precious 29 year old single malt.
"Unpeated and matured in the finest quality oak, this tenth edition of Black Art is a captivating marriage of faith and ingenuity."
Rest & Be Thankful Port Charlotte 2005
$309.99
Unquestionably one of the most exciting and challenging whiskies on the market, Port Charlotte commands attention in all its guises. In fact, there's a part of me that wishes Bruichladdich would ditch the other ranges and produce Port Charlotte full time, but I suppose variety is also a good thing. Unfortunately, heavy demand on the distillery's stocks means that it is exceedingly rare to see PC beyond 10 years of age. Thankfully we have indie bottlers like Rest & Be Thankful, who are the only ones giving us higher age statement Port Charlotte expressions. This single cask (#1577) appears to be full term maturation in an ex-wine hogshead. At cask strength, this should be a real rollercoaster of flavours. Look for sweetness, big smoke, and a whole lot of farmyard in a bottle.
272 Bottles. Natural colour, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 54.6% abv. 87.45pts Whiskybase