Berry Bros. & Rudd Classic Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (45.3%)
About this SPIRIT
Own Selection Spirits
We’re proud to be the oldest independent bottler of spirits in the UK, having been doing it for over a century.
Over that time, we’ve amassed an extensive collection of fine spirits, and built relationships with distilleries across the world – from the Scottish Highlands to the islands of the Caribbean.
Within our collection, you’ll find exquisite whiskies; rich, decadent rums; finely crafted brandies; and crisp, timeless gins. Each bottling captures a unique moment in the spirit’s life, offering individuality, authenticity and quality.
Delve into our rich selection and see what you find.
Islay Whisky
The whisky region of Islay (pronounced eye-la) is arguably the most important 200 or so square miles in the whisky world. On the face of it Islay just another island of the Inner Hebrides. It lies in Argyll just to the west of Jura and around 25 miles north of the Irish coast, which can be seen on a clear day.
The island's fame as far as whisky goes is due to the 8 distilleries currently in production and the vast tracts of peat that cover most of the island's surface. The whisky distilleries are: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman (this is the newest distillery on the island which started producing spirit in 2005), Lagavulinand Laphroaig.
The 8 distilleries with whisky for sale can be divided up, depending on the amount of peat used. The `big 3' are Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig who all produce powerful smoke laden whiskies. The new malt produced by Kilchoman is also very powerful indeed.
Occupying the middle ground are Bowmore and Caol Ila. The whiskies produced at Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain are in peat terms at least, the lightest.
There were more distilleries in the past: Port Ellen closed in 1983 while the Lochindaal at Port Charlotte closed in1929. The buildings at Port Ellen are however still in use, it is here that malted barley for the island's distilleries is produced.
When is a wine ready to drink?
We provide drinking windows for all our wines. Alongside the drinking windows there is a bottle icon and a maturity stage. Bear in mind that the best time to drink a wine does also depend on your taste.
Not ready
These wines are very young. Whilst they're likely to have lots of intense flavours, their acidity or tannins may make them feel austere. Although it isn't "wrong" to drink these wines now, you are likely to miss out on a lot of complexity by not waiting for them to mature.
Ready - youthful
These wines are likely to have plenty of fruit flavours still and, for red wines, the tannins may well be quite noticeable. For those who prefer younger, fruitier wines, or if serving alongside a robust meal, these will be very enjoyable. If you choose to hold onto these wines, the fruit flavours will evolve into more savoury complexity.
Ready - at best
These wines are likely to have a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and savoury flavours. The acidity and tannins will have softened somewhat, and the wines will show plenty of complexity. For many, this is seen as the ideal time to drink and enjoy these wines. If you choose to hold onto these wines, they will become more savoury but not necessarily more complex.
Ready - mature
These wines are likely to have plenty of complexity, but the fruit flavours will have been almost completely replaced by savoury and spice notes. These wines may have a beautiful texture at this stage of maturity. There is lots to enjoy when drinking wines at this stage. Most of these wines will hold in this window for a few years, though at the very end of this drinking window, wines start to lose complexity and decline.
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Description
Distilled on Islay, a small island off Scotland’s west coast known for its peated whisky, this Lightly Smoky & Fruity spirit is perfectly suited for maturation in traditional whisky casks, revealing its richness and complexity. Soft peat smoke forms the foundation of this Islay single malt, giving way to fruity notes of green orchard fruits and the sweetness of honeydew melon. A hint of malted barley adds depth, while dried earthy tones evoke the island’s spirit. The finish is smooth and lasting, with the smokiness fading to leave a trail of fruity sweetness and dry earth.
Tasting note
Our Classic Islay is a story in a glass, transporting me to a specific time and place—standing next to a roaring bonfire on the coast, with the sea air blowing off the water while cocooned in a warm favourite jumper. Nothing captures the taste of a place quite like Islay Whisky, of which this expression is an excellent example. With its rich, iconic smoke, honeyed fruit, and biscuity malt, it showcases the Islay style at its purest.
Joe Whittaker, BB&R Spirits Global Brand Ambassador, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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