Bruichladdich Bere Barley is a series of single malt Scotch whiskies that showcases the distillery's dedication to exploring the impact of barley variety on the final spirit. Bere barley is an ancient, six-row barley strain that has been cultivated in Scotland for centuries, predating modern high-yield varieties. Bruichladdich has been working with the University of the Highlands and Islands Agronomy Institute to reintroduce and champion this heritage grain, emphasizing flavor over yield. Each release specifies the vintage and often the Orkney farms where the Bere barley was grown, highlighting the terroir of this unique grain. The maturation typically involves a combination of cask types, often with a significant portion in first-fill bourbon barrels, to complement the distinct character of the Bere barley.
Tasting Notes (can vary by vintage, e.g., 2012, 2013):
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Nose: Expect a distinct cereal character, often described as porridge oats or malty flour, alongside intense fruity notes like ripe pear and peaches, sometimes with a syrupy quality. Hints of lemon meringue pie and a fresh, breezy quality reminiscent of fresh linen can also be present. The oak influence brings honey, vanilla, coconut, and sometimes cinder toffee or fudge notes. With time, the peach notes can become dominant, enveloping other aromas.
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Palate: The malty barley is prominent on the palate, often with a rich, honey-like texture. A range of sweet fruit and oak notes jostle for attention, including peaches in syrup, honey, chocolate, cinder toffee, and apricot jam. There's often a significant sweetness derived from the oak and malt, which can be quite unique compared to whiskies made with modern barley varieties. Some describe a soft, rounded mouthfeel.
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Finish: The finish often displays a gentle grace as the soft fruit notes continue, with pear and apple coming through alongside the peach. The oak and malt fade slowly, leaving a lingering fruity sweetness and sometimes a hint of spice or a subtle savory note.
Awards: Bruichladdich's Bere Barley bottlings have received recognition for their unique character and quality:
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Gold Medal for the Bere Barley 2012 at Whisky Magazine.
- Rated 93 points by Whisky Advocate.
- Highly recommended by The Whisky Exchange.
- Praised by Spirits Journal for its distinctive earthiness and fruit notes.
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Gold at the SIP Awards (likely for a specific vintage).
Overall Impression: Bruichladdich Bere Barley offers a fascinating glimpse into the past of Scottish agriculture and whisky making. The use of this low-yield, genetically diverse ancient grain results in a single malt with a distinct flavor profile that often emphasizes intense fruitiness, a unique malty sweetness, and a rich texture. It stands apart from Bruichladdich's other expressions and highlights the distillery's commitment to exploring barley's impact on the final whisky. It's a dram often appreciated by those seeking a unique and characterful whisky with a compelling story behind it.
