Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2006

Gift sample from a friend

Nose: Light smoke and malty. Waxy and a little crystallized dried fruit. Almost reminds me of a classic Clynelish. Vanilla and slightly creamy lemon. It smells a little sweet, with very light petrol and a nervous, sour flowery note. Pleasant, if not a bit simple and straightforward.

Palate: Sweet cereal, vanilla, smoke, and more of that sour note - but not too much. A bit lemony and light, less Clynelishy now, and more tarry.

Finish: Ah, I wasn't sure how this would turn out, and it's a bit of a let down. The immediate transition is bitter and heavy on the wood. Eventually it calms down to tar/tire, lemon, wax, and more malty sweetness. This makes for a decent summer dram, and would be a pleasant drinker. Not without flaws, nor deep, but easy enough.

I liked it as a whole and found it rather enjoyable, but it missed a bit due to the simplicity and the quiet palate, along with the awkward transition.

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