Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2010

Lightly peated

The nose is incredibly shy and takes some work to pull out notes which starts with a mild vegetal flavor, lemon zest and hay then cocoa powder and dehydrated oranges followed by faint fruits of sour green apple, lychee and nectarines that transitions to ginger, cloves and light oak with no ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with a moderate bitter spice followed by melted plastic, gooseberries and hay then cocoa nibs and orange pith followed by grapefruit, lychee and white peaches that transitions to ginger, cloves and ashy oak with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with grapefruit pith, orange juice, used coffee grounds, and mild black pepper. This is a rather disappointing dram that the aromas are so faint that it comes across as a light vegetal and oaky air that requires time to really pull out the other notes. On the palate, the flavors are much more pronounced but it’s youthful with bitter and sour notes that never really come together before finishing bitter with sour citrus and a mild pepper spice. Thanks @ContemplativeFox for the generous sample.

Light and earthy as the sun through brightly colored fall leaves. Gentle spice and honey.