The Arran Malt Orkney Bere Barley Malt Whisky

Product of: United Kingdom

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Released in December 2012, Orkney Bere has been matured for 8 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. The 5,800 bottles made available were bottled without chill-filtration of caramel colouring. However, this malt is notable for being distilled from Bere, an ancient variety of barley.

Bare Barley is thought to be Scotland’s oldest cultivated variety of barley, originally introduced by the Vikings. Until the 19th century Bere Barley was widely grown for use by millers, brewers and distillers but is now rarely gown as modern higher yielding varieties have been developed.

To make this whisky, Isle of Arran Distillers teamed up with the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. The Bere Barely used was grown on Orkney before being malted in Inverness and subsequently distilled and matured on Arran.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 08/12/2012

Appearance:

Clear, mid golden (haze with water).

Aroma:

Musty, cork-like hay bales, nuts, apple and grape juice with faint blackcurrant.

Taste:

Initially slightly sweet turning salty with wine-like notes, subtle oak and mixed nuts.

Aftertaste:

Long, lingering barley water and salty spice.