Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2007 Rockside Farm (50%, OB, 2015)
- Bruichladdich Distillery
- Remy Cointreau
- 50% ABV
- £42.49
- Score: 84/100
What they say:
bruichladdich Islay Barley 2007
Rockside Farm
The wild west Atlantic facing coast gave birth to this third release in our uber-provenance Islay Barley series.
Harvested in 2006 and distilled in 2007, the grain for this iconic whisky was grown for Bruichladdich in the Minister’s Field at Rockside Farm by Mark and Rohaise French.
A painfully slow distillation to gently coax the delicate oils and flavour compounds from the barley, coupled with casks carefully selected to preserve those flavours, has resulted in a whisky of exceptional complexity.
We believe terroir matters. Distinctive, authentic and unique, this is land and dram united.
Honed, muscular and lithe. The texture is rich and robust with the maltiness of the barley very much at the fore. There is a natural innocence and purity to this spirit that brings an unbelievable depth and complexity to the palate. For a spirit so young it is outstanding.
Colour
Golden hay/warm honey.
Nose
Classic, distinct, Islay aromas enchant the sensory system. The floral notes of heather covered moorlands in full bloom and more than a hint of juniper, hawthorn and mountain thyme. Then the beautiful aroma of soft ripe fruit, green grapes, melon, pear and pineapple all sprinkled with cinnamon. However the main player in this stunning olfactory bouquet is the Islay barley; grown in salt laden soil, washed by Atlantic showers, battered by strong winds and warmed by a late summer sun. It survives and we love it like no other. Its DNA is 100% Islay. How many distilleries can make this claim?
Palate
The oak has been waiting patiently and now it cradles all of the aromatics. This malt is in so perfect a place at this time that I cannot ever recall such a pleasurable taste experience. The flavours of this island detonate across the palate. Made and matured by the ocean by real artisans, working with Victorian equipment. It’s the start of a journey that few have ever dreamed about and now it’s possible for us to walk with this young Ileach as he challenges the shaman and their marketing myths.
Finish
With no chill filtration the palate is bathed in an amazing spiritual composition. The viscosity of spirit ensures that the taste buds will still be experiencing the strong pulse of passion that has gone into the making of this true son of Islay, Finally leaving you with a feeling of sublime contentment.
Mood
This is the big easy. It’s one to relax with alone or with friends. Myself, I prefer to share my time alone with our son and take in the story he tells of good days to come and hopes for the future. So, it’s best to listen to the story rather than the chatter of those who just don’t get it.
What I say:
Many thanks to Bruichladdich Distillery for review sample. Thanks also to Steve at Somerset Whisky Blog and Tom at Toms Whisky Reviews for sharing.
Colour:
Antique gold (7/20) nedium-sizd tears, slow, leaving thick legs
Nose:
Peaty, earthy peat smoke, toffee, spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, cereal barley malt, fruity apple and pear, a touch of tinned pineapple and some floral heather
Taste:
Spiced toffee oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, light hints of earthy peat, malty cereal barley, liquorice, slightly herbal
Finish:
Medium- length, peaty and spiced toffee oak
Overall:
A lovely expression, I was very aware of a rather peaty nature to this one which is presumably from the barley grown on Islay!
Don’t take my word for it:
Livingroom Whisky
Scotch and Sci Fi
Somerset Whisky Blog
Toms Whisky Reviews
Whisky Gospel
Whisky Israel
Whisky Rover
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Categories: Bruichladdich, Islay
The Whiskyphiles 