Arran Distillers brings back bere barley Scotch

Isle of Arran Distillers has released a second limited edition expression of its single malt Scotch whisky made from Bere Barley, Scotland’s oldest cultivated barley.

The independent Scotch whisky producer partnered with The University of the Highlands and Islands Orkney College to produce The Arran Malt Orkney Bere – a 10-year-old cask strength whisky made with bere barley, which was first introduced to Scotland by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago.

Bottled at cask strength of 56.2% abv, the new release has been matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for 10 years and follows in the footsteps of the distillery’s first edition of the malt that quickly sold out last year.

Producers describe the edition as being sweet, earthy and malty with flavours of honeydew melon, apples, vanilla and desiccated coconut.

“We are one of only a handful of distilleries that use bere barley as it is notoriously difficult to grow,” commented Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers.

“However, for those who can persevere, it can produce an outstanding malt, as is the case with this highly-anticipated new release.

“We’re constantly looking for new ways to interest and excite whisky aficionados, and as an independent distillery we have the freedom to try new things as we have done with the Orkney Bere edition.

“We are extremely proud to have produced a whisky which uses a crop that is part of Scotland’s rich heritage. We are sure it will thrill and delight those who taste it.”

Only 4,890 bottles of The Arran Malt Orkney Bere are now available to purchase online via www.arranwhisky.com or through specialist whisky retailers at an RRP of £59.99.