Rye in Islay?? 

That's not something you see everyday - in fact, this is the first time anyone's seeing it.

Bruichladdich has created the first ever Islay Rye Whisky as part of their Regeneration Project, an Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky that was inspired by the distillery's team having learnt of rye as a beneficial crop that replaces essential nutrients that barley removes from the land.

The team, aiming to be more accountable from their impact from grain to glass, wanted to use rye as it improves soil health and helps to reduce the need for artificial input that can keep costs down for farmers whilst being more environmentally friendly.

Yet, the reality is that there isn't really a market for Scottish-grown rye, hence its absence.

“AS A DISTILLERY WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR IMPACT AND IT STARTS WITH GROWING OUR ESSENTIAL RAW INGREDIENTS. THE REGENERATION PROJECT IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF SEEKING FLAVOUR WHILE REDUCING OUR IMPACT – THE PURSUIT OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN WHISKY.”

Adam Hannett, Head Distiller

Bruichladdich's team then theorised that if they could create great whiskies with locally grown rye, this might be just the spark needed. The team worked with Andrew Jones, a farming partner, to grow rye back in 2017, which is a first for not just the farmer, but the distillery and the island as a whole.

The team hopes that the Regeneration Project is the start of something bigger than just whisky, and that this innovation could help reignite more environmentally sustainable farming practices that also supports the community.

The new expression from Bruichladdich is made from 55% Islay-grown Rye, and 45% Islay-grown Barley - harvested in 2017 and unpeated. The whisky was then aged for 5 years in first-fill Bourbon casks and first-fill American virgin oak casks. It is bottled at 50% ABV. 

This has created a whisky described by the distillery as "peppery heat and waves of liquorice from the rye, balanced with a subtle maritime quality that speaks of the whisky’s all Islay maturation. A truly unique flavour profile, unlike anything we have distilled before."

Official Tasting Notes

Color

Golden Syrup

Aroma

Spice from the rye instantly comes through, accompanied with waves of liquorice, black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg which also speak of the grain and showcase the unique characteristics that rye brings to the whisky. Toasted oak brings a resinous freshness, while chocolate limes add a touch of citrus to the heady mix. Overtime the Islay character is unmistakable, defined by maritime notes of the ocean, warm sand and delicate citrus and honey.

Taste

The softness of the whisky is counterbalanced by the rye’s spicy, peppery heat. Toasted Virgin oak brings sweetness with marzipan, vanilla and chocolate, beautifully complementing the spice of the rye and the citrus green fruit notes of the Islay grown barley. With real complexity, depth and contrast, a myriad of flavours are at play – each essential in telling the story of this unique exploration into distilling new grain.

Finish

While the nose and taste speak of the rye and its distinctive spicy, peppery profile, the finish is a homage to the oak, showcasing its delicate floral and fruity character. Sweet rich oak, ripe pear and green apple are followed by a delicate malty pastry, with vanilla custard settling on the finish.

The new Bruichladdich Regeneration Project is priced at 125 GBP and is currently available via the distillery's webstore here.

It follows Bruichladdich's previous successful projects - the Ternary Project and the Biodynamic Project.

Images courtesy of Bruichladdich.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team