Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012 is Islay in its unpeated glory: a 50% ABV (100 proof), 700mL single malt Scotch whisky distilled in 2012 from barley grown on eight western and central Islay farms, matured a minimum of eight years in 75% first-fill American whiskey casks and 25% French wine casks. Unchill-filtered and bottled with no added coloring, it is Bruichladdich's terroir experiment — proof that Islay's character runs deeper than peat. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 50% ABV / 100 proof
- Size: 700mL
- Age: minimum 8 years; distilled 2012 (barley grown 2011)
- Casks: 75% first-fill American whiskey casks, 25% French wine casks; unchill-filtered, no added color
- Barley: 100% Islay-grown — Concerto, Oxbridge, Propino, and Publican varieties from eight farms
- Peat: none — fully unpeated
Islay Terroir, No Peat Required
Bruichladdich's Islay Barley series exists to prove a point: that soil, climate, and micro-climate shape a single malt as much as peat does. The 2012 vintage distills the point beautifully — barley from eight Islay farms (2011 harvest), double distilled on the distillery's tall stills, laid to rest for eight years in first-fill bourbon and French wine casks on the shores of Loch Indaal. The result is a true taste of Islay's beauty without a whisper of smoke. Discover more Bruichladdich and our Scotch whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Nose: citrus fruits and coconut over fresh barley and apple juice, with honey and vanilla from the bourbon casks. Palate: round and full-bodied — porridge, rice pudding, brown sugar, pear, melon, and orange over a cereal-rich core. Finish: medium length, soft grain, honey, and a light winey tartness with salted caramel.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tulip or Glencairn to explore the fruit, cereal, and maritime notes; a small splash of water unlocks deeper honey, spice, and straw. Pairs with seafood and creamy desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bruichladdich Islay Barley peated?
No — it's entirely unpeated, like the rest of Bruichladdich's core range. All the character comes from Islay-grown barley and cask maturation.
What is the "Islay Barley" series about?
Terroir: each vintage distills barley grown on multiple Islay farms to show how the island's soil and climate shape the spirit — the 2012 uses eight farms.
Is it chill-filtered or colored?
Neither — bottled unchill-filtered at 50% ABV with no added coloring.
For the purest expression of unpeated Islay, order Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2012 online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.