Top 20 Whiskies of 2019

#15 • Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2010

  • Rank: 15
  • Year: 2019
  • Score: 91
  • Price: $100
  • ABV: 50%
  • Style: Single Malt
  • Place of Origin: Scotland (Islay)

Distilling with heirloom grains has become commonplace in the U.S., but much less so in Scotland. With this utterly unique single malt made from the historic Bere barley variety, Bruichladdich reexamines whisky flavors starting with the raw material. Herbal pine bough, salted almond, and tropical fruit appear on the nose, followed by a creamy mouthfeel with intense chocolate, pepper, citrus oil, pine sap, and perfumy chamomile flavors. The full, round finish has rose petal, white pepper, and vanilla overlaying a delicate but pronounced structure. —Susannah Skiver Barton