Scotland uses rare barley for new Orkney Bere whisky release

Isle of Arran Distillers has developed Orkney Bere, a new single malt Scotch whisky made using Bere barley, Scotland’s oldest cultivated barley.

Arran Malt Orkney Bere Scotch whisky

The distillery has teamed up with the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, to produce a new style of whisky made using the barley, which is thought to have been brought to the UK by Vikings over 1,000 years ago.

Arran Malt Orkney Bere has been aged for eight years in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 46% abv. It is described by the distillery as having flavours of ripe apples, oak and spices.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “As an independent distillery we have the freedom to try different things and we’re constantly looking for new ways to interest and excite people who enjoy excellent malt whiskies.

“Due largely to lack of availability and difficulties with its cultivation, there are only a few distilleries which use Bere, but it can produce fantastic results and is part of Scotland’s heritage. We’ve worked with Orkney College to help raise the profile of this forgotten crop and offer our customers a taste of pure history with this limited edition malt.”

Just 5,800 bottles of Arran Malt Orkney Bere have been produced for sale, which will be available in the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, Germany and Switzerland at an RRP of £47.99 for 70cl.