9 Wee Drammers gathered at Dick D.’s in late March to sample another two of Scotland’s finest single malt whiskies. Just when we think we may be running out of drams to sample, one of the area’s liquor dispensaries introduces us to new and very pleasing offerings. For this gathering, Dick chose two lesser known whiskies, Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012, an Islay classic, and Clynelish 14 yr. old, another Highlands single malt described by Whisky Exchange as “one of the best entry-level proprietary bottlings available from any distillery”.
First up, from Islay, the Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012:
The Whisky Exchange describes this dram the best. “The 2012 Bere Barley single malt from Bruichladdich is made using this ancient grain variety that the distillery has been working with the University of the Highlands and Islands since 2005 to reintroduce to the whisky industry. Matured for a decade in first-fill ex-bourbon casks… this superb unpeated single malt from the Islay distillery spent ten years maturing in oak casks before bottling. A cracking opportunity to sample a whisky distilled from this ancient barley strain resurrected from the days of old.”
Tasting Note by the chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Vegetal zest and oaken vanilla lead the way with crisp apple and orchard honey.
- Palate: Chewy malt, poached pear and apple, buttered tea cakes and juicy stone fruits are followed by spiced vanilla and salted caramel.
- Finish: Fruit crumble lingers with dustings of sugar and malted biscuits, with distant coastal salinity and pithy citrus peels.
At $110.00 and available at Lucky’s in Nanaimo, Dick’s first choice was very well received by the group.
Dick’s 2nd choice was a mystery to all, Clynelish 14 yr old. This whisky serves as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. It is enjoyed on its own and as a vital component of Johnny Walker whiskies.
With an interesting history, the original Old Clynelish distillery was built in 1819, but in 1969 changed its name to Brora. Brora made heavily peated whisky in 1969-1973 for blending, covering a shortage of Islay whisky caused by a drought. Brora distillery, which today has a cult status, had to close down in 1983. New Clynelish distillery was built in 1968 and continued the theme of making malt whisky for blended Scotch.
The only single malt expression coming from the distillery, Clynelish 14, released in 2020, is at the moment the only official core range bottling from the new distillery. It is also used in the making of Johnny Walker Gold Label. Both are owned by Diageo.
Tasting Note by the chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Zesty, mandarin, tangerine. Smoky.
- Palate: Quite light, great clarity. Orange, soft acidity. Dry oak. Mixed fruits, vanilla, leather.
- Finish: Quite long, bitter sweetness developing, spicy oak.
Another great choice coming in around $ 110.oo and also available at Lucky’s in Nanaimo
Dick offered up a wonderful selection of appies to accompany the whisky. Smoked and candied salmon, pork balls and sauce, spring rolls with sauce, cheese, crackers, smoked oysters, olives, cold meats, grapes, chocolate (or as Dick described it, “dessert”… the list seemed endless.
Well done Dick! Another great evening with good friends, good whisky and good food!
report submitted by Ron Windrim
