Being a fan of Bruichladdich, and having recently enjoyed a few of their offerings, I jumped at the chance to get this Bere Barley 2010. Bere is an ancient six-row type of grain that is little used anymore, and this particular crop of bere comes from the Orkney Islands. Aged for 8 years, unpeated, all ex-bourbon casks, bottled at 50% (everyone should do this), and in craft presentation (no color, no chill filtration). How does the bere stack up against the Islay barley?
Nose: So rich! Freshly cut grass, strawberries, rhubarb, hay, butter, malted barley, poached pear, cream, and sweet and sour sauce. A lot to unpack here, really benefits from additional time in the glass.
Mouthfeel: Medium, oily.
Palate: A true flavor explosion - easily my favorite of all the Bruichladdich expressions. Huge, rich, complex, sweet malted barley opens here, followed by an immense array of fruit. I get peach, pear, apple, berries, melon, more. An intense, sweeping development.
Finish: I get rich chocolate and sweet oak, along with hints of smoke/char. There is a lovely residual sweetness from the fruit that hangs around as well. And perhaps even a ghostly floral note.
Verdict: As far as I'm concerned - not having tried any of the Black Arts - this is the apotheosis of Bruichladdich whiskies. Delicious, rich, perfectly balanced, wonderfully complex. A wonderful dram, and worth every penny. Extremely highly recommended.
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