Bruichladdich 2012 Bere Barley

Bere is Britain's oldest strain of cultivated cereal and would have been used by Scotland's early distillers through distant centuries. However, in the 20th century an emphasis on efficiency and commercial return encouraged the pursuit of yield over flavour - flavouring varieties that would produce the easiest crop and greatest extract.

Always champions of flavour, they've been working with the university of the Highlands and Islands' Agronomy Institute since 2005 to reintroduce bere barley to the distilling of single malt whisky. Bere is a hardy grain, adapted to poor soil conditions and to a short growing season. In early trials it proved resilient to milling and mashing. It took time and patience to understand how to get the best from this enigmatic barley.

Sown in April 2011 for a September harvest, the 2011 growing season was mostly warm and dry until the crucial cutting time when there were few days free from rain. This 2012 vintage has matured over ten patient years in first fill ex-bourbon casks. This understated maturation delicately balances an unctuous texture and malty, sweet fruit flavour. The result is a whisky created with the utmost respect, from grain to glass.