Bruichladdich Islay Barley Shelf Review

Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

It’s not every day you can find a tasting set that pulls you back in time – especially from a blue chip distillery like Bruichladdich. But this is the case with the “Wee Laddie Tasting Set” I recently found sitting on a shelf from back in 2017. After reviewing the “Classic Laddie” last month and absolutely loving it in its older form, I am moving onto one of the first releases of Bruichladdich’s “Islay Barley” expression. Likely distilled in 2007, this is an expression focused on the effect of terroir on whisky. It’s hard to confirm much about this particular release (which has no vintage date) because very little is out there about this official set. But for a price of $55 for a set of 3 of these 200ml tasting bottles, figured it was worth the jump. So let’s dive in and see what “Islay Barley” was all about back in 2017!

Age: Bottled in 2017 – Batch L161059

ABV: 50%

Cask: American Oak

MSRP: N/A

Distillery Name: Bruichladdich

Review Date: 8/27/23

Nose: Big homemade marshmallow and vanilla cream, almond bark, green chili, and graham cracker. Like a smore in a glass – this is big, sweet, and fantastic. Transports you to a childhood time and place.

Palate: Thinner than expected at the onset – there’s a whiff of Jamaican funk, accented by a mix of overripe fruits. Stewed apples, bananas, sweet malt, and oak lead to a palate that reminds me of a creamsicle candy that’s been left in a wood cabinet to melt. Heat is well restrained, and body improves after a few sips.  

Finish: Medium length gentle finish defined by an earthy chocolate and mulchy note. The sweetness of the nose returns and can make it feel borderline sickly at times.

Score: 89 

Would I buy again? I’m considering buying another of these “Wee Laddie Tasting Sets” to throw in the bunker. This Islay Barley from 2017 is a dessert whisky that feels perfect for an after-dinner drink. Would I pay the full price for a 750ml? I would give it some thought but it’s not a slam dunk. The nose is by far the most interesting and enjoyable piece to this puzzle – with the palate stumbling before moving to a relatively tame finish.