The Organic: Once again Dram and Land United

Islay’s only organic whisky has now been released as a full scale, world-wide bottling.

The Organic follows on from the first, limited edition bottling of the 2003 vintage released in 2009 and is based on the same vintage.

Again, Chalice barley was used but this time grown organically on three Scottish farms of Mid Coul, Coulmore and Mains of Tullibardine.

Matured in American oak casks, it was this time bottled at 46% with Islay spring water obviously non chill-filtered, caramel-free and certified to Organic standard by the Biodynamic Association. To obtain organic status for the whisky not only the barley is certified organic, but the malting, transport, distillation, maturation and bottling.

Being organic does not automatically mean that a product is any better than a non-organic one. After all, growing organic grapes does not mean a vigneron has a good vineyard or is any good at making wine. But a farmer can make a difference. In harmony with his land and the year’s growing cycle, unceasingly fastidious attention to detail does mean extra-ordinary results can be achieved.

The Organic is an extraordinary single malt with a highly individual character: challengingly complex, exceptional definition, intoxicating intensity and provocative purity of flavour, with a persistence that is never ending. This is like no other.

Is it any better than non organic whisky? It is definitely unique, a new benchmark. For those who seek more cerebral stimulation from their malt, they are in for a treat; for others it will probably remain a mystery.

The Organic will now become one of the central planks of the definitive Bruichladdich range.