A beautiful expression that shows the classic depth and complexity of Bere Barley. Notes of zesty lime and green apple, with a subtly spiced gingerbread finish.
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 – favouring varieties that would produce the easiest crop and greatest extract.
MATURATION PROFILE: All full-term maturation in first fill bourbon casks for 10 years.
CHARACTER: The 2012 Vintage is another stunning example of the viscous texture and wonderful depth and concentration of flavour we see from our Bere Barley. It is unique, a single vintage and a barley variety that gives flavour like no other.
Tasting Notes:
COLOUR: Marzipan yellow.
NOSE: Complex and alluring, there is a wonderful combination of fruity and floral notes on the nose. Oak comes through with zesty lime and green apple, followed by fragrant honeysuckle and creamy vanilla. The Bere barley provides a tart robustness with hints of hay and barley sugar sweetness, with a peach note growing as the dram opens further.
PALATE: Firm and well rounded, Bere barley and stoned fruit glide across the palate bringing waves of apricot, ripe peach and stewed apple. Chocolate lime hints at the zesty richness of the spirit before barley sugar and warm scones bring a remarkable depth of flavour from the malt. Marine notes of sun kissed sand and sea shells follow, moving to marzipan, mellow oak and coconut.
FINISH: Long and delicate, the finish has notes of gingerbread, milk chocolate, marzipan, creamy vanilla and apricot jam. A subtle marine note lingers along with a hint of barley sugar.
