Bruichladdich’s Scottish Barley is made entirely from Scottish-grown barley, trickle distilled and then matured in American oak. The distillery regards it as its signature bottling.
Appearance: White wine. A semi-viscous film forms with a beaded swirl mark and quick-forming medium legs. A few teardrops also form after a second swirl.
Nose: Seaspray, gentle ashy smoke, apple and icing sugar.
Hints of grape and pear now, with a subtle note of jam on buttered toast too.
There is a barley note like you get in barley fruit drinks.
Palate: A good viscous mouthfeel. Spiced butter, cinnamon, a decent helping of jammy sweetness and some salinity.
The grapes element is consistent with the nose too.
Finish: The subtle coastal notes, along with caramel and whole nut bar. Short to medium in length.
Overall: It’s easy to see why this whisky is so popular. It’s just a quality mellow dram at a very reasonable price. Great aromas and flavours, good balance and layered.