The wild west Atlantic facing coast gave birth to this third release in our uber-provenance Islay barley series. Harvested in 2006 & 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, producing a whisky of exceptional complexity. We believe terroir matters. Distinctive, authentic and unique, this is land and dram united.

Α 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.

RUICHLADDICH ISLAY BARLEY 2007 IS:

– Ultimate provenance: single Islay farm, single field, single vintage

– Core product; limited release

– 3rd release in our ongoing Islay barley exploration series

– Unpeated Islay single malt scotch whisky

– Distilled using 100% Islay barley

– 50% abv for maximum mouthfeel

– American oak cask maturation

– Matured entirely on islay

– Bottled at the distillery using Islay spring water

– Non chill filtered

– Colouring free

TASTING NOTES

Character – Honed, muscular and lithe. The texture is rich and robust. With a brilliant marine / maltiness very much in evidence. There is an innocence and purity in this spirit that is rare due to the small amount of barley grown on Islay, with its absolutely unique weather system that creates the character & flavours of this truly natural spirit. Welcome back. Many years have passed since the world last enjoyed your company.

Colour – Golden hay/warm honey.

Nose – The bouquet amazes with the freshness of the spirit, the first notes to evolve are honey & lemon zest derived from the cask & salt encrusted barley. Then savour aromas of flora & fauna growing wild on the peat- lands & coastline of Islay, followed by the soft fruits from distillation, the sweetness of sun- dried barley, the creme-brulee notes of caramelised wood sugars provided by the 100 year old american oak. Transport yourself to Islay simply by closing your eyes and inhaling. The key to this spirit is the unique citrus freshness of barley grown in salty soil. Amazing.

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. enjoy with friends. 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.