Frequently Asked Questions
Experience the authentic taste of Islay with Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014, a fully traceable single malt Scotch whisky crafted from locally grown barley harvested from multiple Islay farms including Crusach, Craigens, and Dunlossit Estate. This 8-year-old expression is bottled at a robust 50% ABV and matured in a harmonious combination of first-fill bourbon casks, sherry butts, and second-fill wine casks, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Unchill-filtered and free from artificial coloring, this whisky delivers a delightful sensory journey with notes of apricot and peach complementing its cereal-forward character, while delicate floral aromas blend with sweet malt, creamy vanilla, and a subtle maritime influence that speaks to its island heritage. The natural oils from the barley create a viscous, creamy texture that carries tropical fruit flavors and warm spice notes through to a lingering finish of sweet stoned fruits and vanilla custard.
Process & Profile
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 is distilled entirely from barley grown on eight local Islay farms, all located within an 11-mile radius of the distillery. This hyperlocal approach ensures a genuine taste of Islay in every drop. The whisky has been matured for eight years in a thoughtfully composed blend of casks: 80% first-fill bourbon casks, 5% sherry butts, and 15% second-fill wine casks. Bottled at a robust 50% ABV, this unpeated expression remains true to Bruichladdich's philosophy of transparency and authenticity by being unchill-filtered and free from artificial coloring. The result is a pale gold spirit with a creamy, viscous texture that carries the natural oils and flavors of the Islay-grown barley.Tasting Notes
Nose
The aromatic journey begins with delicate floral notes accompanied by sweet malt and ripe grain. As the whisky opens up, hints of pepper and soft spices emerge, followed by soft stoned fruits and creamy vanilla. Further exploration reveals layers of coconut, butterscotch, brown sugar, nutmeg, and hazelnut, alongside fragrant peach, honeyed melon, pear drops, and warm banana bread.Palate
On the palate, creamy vanilla and lemon immediately make their presence known, with peppery nutmeg spice giving way to sweet malt, warm porridge, and popcorn. The whisky's depth of flavor and luscious texture showcase the natural oils from the Islay barley, enhanced with layers of sweet citrus, tropical fruit, and fragrant peach. A drop of water brings out subtle marine notes, highlighting the coastal influence.Finish
The finish is characterized by sweet stoned fruits settling on the palate alongside creamy vanilla custard and a touch of coconut, while a delicate floral note lingers.What Makes It Special
What truly sets Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 apart is its genuine connection to the land. The barley used in this expression was cultivated at Crusach, Craigens, Island, Dunlossit Estate, Coull, Rockside, Mulindry, and Sunderland farms—all on Islay soil. This dedication to local agriculture creates a whisky that tells the story of its island home. The combination of American and French oak maturation results in a beautifully balanced expression. The higher 50% ABV perfectly complements and balances the whisky's creamy sweetness, creating a harmonious drinking experience.How to Enjoy
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 is a versatile whisky that can be appreciated in multiple ways. Enjoy it neat to experience the full intensity of its flavors and creamy texture. For those who prefer to open up the whisky further, adding a few drops of water will reveal additional marine notes and subtle complexities. This expression makes an excellent companion for a quiet evening of contemplation or as a sophisticated offering to share with friends who appreciate the artistry of single malt Scotch. Its approachable yet complex character makes it suitable for both whisky enthusiasts and those beginning their journey into the world of single malts.Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bruichladdich 2014 Islay Barley unique?
Bruichladdich 2014 Islay Barley is crafted entirely from barley grown on eight local farms on Islay, within just 11 miles of the distillery. This single malt is fully traceable from farm to glass and showcases the essence of Islay terroir.
How old is this whisky and what is its maturation process?
This whisky is aged for eight years and matured primarily in first-fill bourbon casks (80%), with additional maturation in sherry butts (5%) and second-fill wine casks (15%). This combination balances oak influence with the character of locally grown barley.
What are the tasting notes for Bruichladdich 2014 Islay Barley?
On the nose, expect delicate floral notes, sweet malt, ripe grain, and hints of pepper and spices. The palate features creamy vanilla, lemon, nutmeg, sweet malt, and fresh fruits such as peach, apricot, and melon. The finish is characterized by sweet, stoned fruits, creamy vanilla custard, coconut, and lingering floral notes.
Is Bruichladdich Islay Barley peated?
Bruichladdich Islay Barley is an unpeated single malt, focusing on the pure flavors of the local barley and subtle oak influences rather than smoky notes.
What is the ABV (alcohol by volume) of Bruichladdich 2014 Islay Barley?
It is bottled at 50% ABV, providing a bold and rich flavor profile.
Where is the barley for this whisky sourced?
All the barley comes exclusively from eight different farms on the island of Islay, ensuring a genuine expression of its local origins.
What food pairings complement this whisky?
Given its fruity sweetness and creamy texture, Bruichladdich 2014 Islay Barley pairs well with mild cheeses, smoked seafood, or light desserts such as fruit tarts.
Does this whisky have any maritime or coastal notes?
Yes, while the primary flavors are malty and fruity, there is a subtle maritime character that nods to its coastal origin on Islay.
Can I trace where the ingredients come from?
Yes, provenance and traceability are central to this release. Each bottle details the local farms involved, and the distillery provides full transparency from field to cask to bottle.
Is this a limited edition release?
Bruichladdich regularly produces Islay Barley expressions using barley from specific years and farms, so while not strictly limited, each vintage is unique and often available in limited quantities.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
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