Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012 Orkney Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 50%

Orkney grows a grain older than whisky itself. Bere Barley 2012 is Bruichladdich's tribute to this almost-forgotten variety, distilled unpeated and matured for a full decade so the grain's own character can stand entirely on its own.

Expert description

Bere Barley 2012 is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Bruichladdich, matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 50%.

Bere is Britain's oldest cultivated grain variety, used by Scottish farmers and distillers for centuries before modern, high-yield barley strains took over the fields. As part of its terroir project, Bruichladdich sourced this barley from the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College to show what a single grain can do for flavour, independent of soil or cask.

The whisky comes from the 2011 harvest, was distilled in 2012 and has spent a full decade on cask, so both the grain and the wood are left to speak for themselves, with no peat to get in the way.

Tasting notes

Nose

White grapes, toasted oats and a touch of orris root meet ripe apricot, peach and honey. There's an earthy, cereal base with a whisper of creamy vanilla and nuts.

Palate

White pepper opens things up, quickly giving way to orange marmalade, peach and nectarine. The texture turns creamy at first, then crisp with malt, vanilla and grain, with a faint salted liquorice note tucked underneath.

Finish

Savoury and lightly spiced, with notes of warm flatbread, black pepper and a touch of rosemary that lingers.

Specifications

Name: Bere Barley 2012 Orkney
Distillery: Bruichladdich
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 10 years
ABV: 50%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: First-fill ex-bourbon casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Distilled: 2012
EAN no.: 5055807416146

Flavour profile

Fruity · Cereal · Creamy · Spiced

Did you know?

Bere barley was grown in Scotland as far back as the Viking age, making it one of the oldest cereal strains still in active cultivation, kept alive today by a small breeding programme in Orkney.

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Questions and answers about Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012

How does Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012 taste?

It's fruity and cereal-driven, with notes of peach, apricot and honey carried by a creamy, lightly spiced finish. It isn't peated, so the grain's own character takes centre stage.

Is Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012 worth it?

Yes. Bere barley is grown on a very limited scale today, and few distilleries commit to rare heritage grains the way Bruichladdich does. The long cask maturation gives it a depth that matches the rest of the house's terroir releases.

Is Bere Barley 2012 a peated whisky?

No, this release is entirely unpeated. Bruichladdich keeps its core range peat-free, while its smoky styles are sold under the names Port Charlotte and Octomore.

Is Bere Barley 2012 a good gift?

Yes, especially for the curious whisky enthusiast who already knows Islay's peated styles and wants to explore the distillery's more grain-focused, earthy side.

What glass suits Bere Barley 2012?

A narrow, tulip-shaped glass such as a Glencairn glass shows off the fruit and honey best. Browse our whisky glasses if you need one.

Should water be added to Bere Barley 2012?

A few drops of water can open up the cereal and creamy notes further, though the whisky also works well neat at room temperature.

How does Islay whisky differ from other regions?

Islay is best known for peated, smoky whisky, but Bruichladdich is the exception, showing a softer, grain-led side of the island. Browse our full range of Islay Single Malt Whisky to compare the styles.