Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011

One of the distilleries that didn’t leave a very good impression after a initial tasting some time ago, but that I still intend to like. So another secondary comparison-tasting this time with “the Organic”, the “Islay Barley” and the “Port Charlotte OLC:01”. Nose: pineapple, tomato juice, barley whole grains, a recurring Bruichladdich style but with very different additional aromas, banana, almost minty, some fresh honey as well, herbs, milky chocolate, water melon, smooth and sweet, cola, interesting & intriguing. Later: condensed milk, even sweeter. Palate: sharp and hot at first, but that gives way to a lingering sweetness that also has a smoky note. On the second sip the heat and burn is kinda gone and it gets more malty sweet. Finish: a soft herbs- and spices-mix (including an interesting and quite present laurel / bay leaf taste ... very nice), and really a smokey after taste I like it. I mean it feels young for sure but that fresh intensity and very interesting sub-notes on the nose and palate are really interesting which makes for a diverse experience.

I dig! Sweet honey and butter. Champagne goodness

Very good. Very light and yet surprisingly full of flavor. Has some fruit notes, and some nice barrel tones. Really nicely balanced and refreshing.

Utterly clean

Creamy sweetness, light, full spicy finish well after you’ve swallowed.

Malty and creamy, like a rich mix of porridge and custard. There’s a dash of apricot jam in the mix too. The finish is gently spicy and sweet.