Bruichladdich is marking 25 years since the distillery’s striking renaissance with a whisky that’s been a long time in the making. The new Bruichladdich Greener Still is a 15-year-old single malt where the spotlight isn’t on an exotic wine cask, but firmly on the barley itself.
In doing so, the distillery is reviving a familiar name from its own past. Greener Still links back to the now-legendary Still Series of Blacker Still, Redder Still and Golder Still. Only this time, Bruichladdich is taking a distinctly different approach.
Bruichladdich Greener Still revives a famed whisky series
Between 2006 and 2008, Bruichladdich released the eye-catching Blacker Still, Redder Still and Golder Still. Those whiskies stood out not only for their opaque, colored bottles, but also for their experiments with sherry, Bordeaux and bourbon casks, among others.
With Greener Still, the focus isn’t squarely on the cask. This 15-year-old whisky is crafted from three distinct types of barley: Organic, Biodynamic and the ancient Bere barley.
It’s that combination that makes this release so compelling. The organic barley is sourced from the Scottish mainland, while Bere barley is grown on Orkney. The biodynamic barley, intriguingly, comes from Wiltshire in England. As such, this whisky is a rare exception to Bruichladdich’s usual commitment to 100 percent Scottish-grown barley.
Three barleys shape this Islay whisky’s character
Bruichladdich has spent years exploring different grains and farming methods. Greener Still brings those experiments together in a single bottle. Master Blender Adam Hannett makes it clear this is a whisky where barley takes center stage. Together, the different barleys are designed to deliver texture, spice, orchard fruit and, above all, a rich malt-driven profile.
The whisky was distilled in 2011 and matured for a full 15 years in first-fill bourbon casks on Islay. No elaborate finishes, no added layers of flavor after the fact.
How Bruichladdich Greener Still tastes
As you expect from Bruichladdich, Greener Still is an unpeated Islay single malt. Look for soft floral aromas, ripe orchard fruits and a generous ribbon of honeyed sweetness, according to the distillery.
- Nose: A bouquet of gentle lavender with honeycomb, orchard fruit and warming spice. Then apple crumble and cinnamon, with heather and rosemary over earthy undertones.
- Palate: Ripe, juicy pear with citrus, warm spices and layered malty notes from the barley varieties. Also cinnamon, chocolate caramel and honey.
- Finish: Long and silky with orchard fruit, custard and vanilla.
The whisky is bottled at a robust 51.6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
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How to get a bottle of Bruichladdich Greener Still whisky
Greener Still is the final part of the special releases celebrating 25 years since Bruichladdich’s revival. Earlier came Bruichladdich Old Skool and Yellow Submarine III. The new
Scottish whisky can be purchased directly from the distillery, where it’s available now. The recommended price is 120 pounds.
FAQ
- What is Bruichladdich Greener Still?
A 15-year-old Islay single malt, distilled in 2011 and matured in first-fill bourbon casks. - How many barley types were used for Bruichladdich Greener Still?
The whisky is made with three barleys: Organic, Biodynamic and the ancient Bere barley. - At what strength is the whisky bottled?
Bottled at 51.6% ABV, unpeated and without any additional cask finish.