Whisky is an agricultural product made in harmony with the land, and there is no truer expression of this than Bruichladdich Organic Barley 16 Aged Years. Distilled using organic barley grown and harvested at Mid Coul Farm, Inverness, Scotland, the raw ingredient is farmed without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides. Not only does this farming method promote healthy soils but creates a cereal-forward single malt, with notes of tropical fruits and smooth vanilla cream, showcasing the purest form of its terroir.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A vibrant, fruity character is immediate on the nose, with a refreshing medley of tropical fruits, pineapple, peach, and apricot jam. Candied citrus notes of orange and lemon follow, with a delicate floral bouquet of marigold and lily. Sweet, stoned fruit and toasted oak are complemented with wood spices and cinnamon, all wrapped in smooth vanilla cream. Over time, a subtle minerality and a hint of lemon rind comes from the American oak, with the presence of barley sugar bringing toffee popcorn and barley husk.
Palate: Similar to the nose, intense sweet tropical fruit comes to the fore on the palate. The influence of the American oak swiftly follows, with vanilla cream, honey, muscovado sugar and wood spices. Silky vanilla custard adds to the smooth texture, with the character of the wood and spirit coming together in perfect harmony. The spirit is exceptionally clean with a real fruity character, with an unmistakable cereal forward note putting the organic barley front and centre.
Body: Elegant and floral with notes of green fruits – notably apple, pear, and gooseberry. The Organic 16 amplifies these signature flavours while also being cereal forward, with the organically grown malting barley providing notes of tropical fruits, smooth vanilla cream and toffee popcorn.
Finish: Soft and gentle, tropical fruit notes linger on the finish, with the influence of the oak providing notes of desiccated coconut and smooth vanilla cream.
"This is a whisky that trades wackiness for warmth, sweetness, and maturity. Not the most complex Bruichladdich ever bottled—but an undeniably tasty one. And for fans of organic whisky, or anyone curious about grain-led distillation, it’s absolutely worth seeking out. And while you do, don’t mind me pouring myself another dram, because it is that good!" - Martijn van Opstal, Dram1
"Overall, it is a cereal-forward dram with a creamy texture, lifted by tropical fruit notes. The precision and clarity of these flavors make it a remarkable pour. As it is a bourbon cask, it has refreshing elements which beckon me to have another dram. Indeed, this is dangerously addictive." - 88 Bamboo
