Sips & Sites & Bites

The whisky makers at Bruichladdich recently debuted the Bere Barley 2013, a golden-colored Scotch that brings the sweet taste of the tropics to mind.

Bere barley itself is one of the most genetically diverse grains, and for Bruichladdich, it’s matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill Pauillac wine casks.

The Bere Barley 2013 expression is part of the distillery’s Barley Exploration series, and the whisky makers noted that this single malt delicately balances the sweetness of Bere barley with hints of fresh green fruits and lightly spiced gingerbread. 

The distiller designed the whisky with sustainability in mind, as Bere Barley 2013 is available in Bruichladdich’s new proprietary bottle made of recycled glass. The eco-friendly brand has also eliminated unnecessary secondary packaging.

The tasting notes show that this whisky, on the nose, has notes of warm citrus and tropical fruit followed by sweet malty flour. It’s fragrant with notes of peach, vanilla pods, candied orange and lemon, as well as creamy fudge, marzipan, and ripe pears. 

The palate features malted grain, with the flavors of popcorn, brown sugar, porridge and Bere husk complementing this cereal forward single malt. It finishes smooth and well rounded, with notes of milk chocolate and Crème brulee, as well as hints of mango, orange blossom and honey.

As the spirit matures in American oak barrels on the Scottish Isle of Islay, by the shores of Lochindaal, each Bere barley vintage takes shape to tell the story of the grain, the terroir, and of tradition.

For more information, check out www.bruichladdich.com.