Our Islay barley series has always been a mission. For many years now we’ve sought to showcase the phenomenon of “terroir” in single malt whisky – the belief that soil, climate, micro-climate, geographic orientation, natural influences and local weather systems will influence the quality and flavour profile of the spirit, making it a unique expression of ‘place’. The challenge of growing barley on Islay is no mean feat, it is a labour of love. Between wild Atlantic storms, torrential rain and the voracious geese, it is a battle of wills and the yield returns for our farmers are much lower than their mainland counterparts. However, the challenge has been accepted by local farmers who now raise barley year on year for Bruichladdich. Bruichladdich Islay barley 2012 is distilled from barley grown on eight western and central Islay farms in 2011.
