Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011

Somewhere between oatmeal, malt, cotton balls, and household cleaner, and that’s not an insult. It’s a refreshing step off the beaten path of peat and sherry influences. A little shorter than I’d hope, and a little rounder on the edges than the razor focus of a Classic Laddie. And I get none of the fruit that some tasters have mentioned. But it’s tasty and balanced overall.

Light honeyed fruits, oily, briny, barley musty.

Malty smell. Spice leads, but consistent smooth finish

Not sure why I haven’t pulled the trigger on an Islay Barley until now but glad I finally did. I love Bruichladdich but kept passing this by. It is outstanding. Rich big malty flavors and a touch of sweet. Can’t believe it’s only 8 years old. Don’t make my mistake, pick this up. Looking forward to the 2012.

Spicy but not harsh. Honied barley, oily wood, and deep malty flavors that have a nice lingering warmth.

Spicyy. Cayenne