Bruichladdich Organic 2011 / 50%/ 0.7l

Bruichladdich is one of a handful of Scottish distilleries with an organic whisky in their current offering (the others being Benromach, Deanston and Nc'nean).

To be certified as organic, whisky must meet strict standards regarding the barley, yeast, water source, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling. Each year, the Biodynamic Association conducts a detailed audit to ensure that the standards are met. Bruichladdich Distillery first used organic barley in 2003. The distillery works in partnership with the Rose family’s Mid Coul Farm near Inverness (there are no organic farms on Islay today). The latest edition, The Organic, was distilled in 2011 from Publican barley and aged in first-fill bourbon barrels for around 11 years.

Nose : barley malt, vanilla sticks, crème brûlée, honey, cantaloupe, pineapple, lemon peel, mint leaf and delicate oak tones.

Palate: barley malt, honey, vanilla pudding, milk fudge, ripe apples and pears, greengages, melons, pralines, a hint of mint and a subtle bitterness of oak.

Finish : quite long, malty, with notes of vanilla, toffee, citrus, coconut flakes, nutmeg and a hint of sea breeze.