Bruichladdich Organic Barley 10 Years Old Islay Single Malt 2012 50% Vol. 0,7l

This 2012 vintage Islay single malt from Bruichladdich puts the origin of its grain front and centre. It is made solely from organically grown Scottish Publican barley from Mid Coul Farms near Inverness. The farm runs a closed-loop fertility system, returning organic by-products to the agricultural cycle, and grows its barley without synthetic agrochemicals or pesticides.

After harvest the barley was malted without peat and sent to the Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, where it was slowly distilled in 2012. The whisky then matured for ten years on Islay, entirely in first-fill bourbon casks. The American oak adds depth and structure while leaving the malty character of the organic barley intact.

Bottled at a robust 50% ABV, it keeps an intense texture and suits anyone who wants to compare the influence of grain, cask and place. Across the vintages of the Organic Barley range, the barley itself takes a far more prominent role than in many conventional single malts. This 0.7-litre bottle is a good fit for fans of unpeated Islay whisky with a clear provenance and a pronounced grain character.