Exploring a sense of place: Berry Bros. & Rudd launch the Glens & Valleys Collection
Written by Joe Whittaker, BB&R Global Brand Ambassador
At Berry Bros. & Rudd, we often refer to the terroir of our fine wines. It vividly brings to life the riverbanks and hillsides where renowned vineyards are cultivated, producing delicate grapes and yielding wonderful flavours rooted in their unique sense of place. Inspired by this, Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits has embarked on an exciting journey to explore the distinctive qualities of our spirits, delving into how their styles and flavours are shaped by the regions where these exceptional distilleries are located.
We are thrilled to introduce the Glens & Valleys collection, shortly followed by Coasts & Shores. These two collections comprise 50 casks dedicated to exploring the intricate flavours and development of these unique spirits. They go beyond regional origins through our Single Cask selections. Glens & Valleys and Coasts & Shores follow a common narrative exploring the influence of place, wood, process, styles and characteristics – everything that makes these bottlings remarkable and most importantly, delicious.
The Glens & Valleys release takes you on a journey to distilleries nestled in iconic rolling hills, exploring the “sense of place” so many of us cherish when thinking about whisky. These quintessential Scottish landscapes have profoundly shaped the spirits, taking on a journey with the essence of their surroundings. The flavours from the casks, influenced by other picturesque landscapes, transport you right to the heart of where they were crafted.
This release invites you to explore distilleries from the rolling hills of Speyside to the majestic Munros of the Highlands, discovering grassy notes, refreshing orchard fruits and mineral earthiness. Occasionally, you'll encounter the hillside fruits influenced by wine and Sherry casks from other valleys, used to complement these great whiskies. Let our 2009 Glen Spey transport you to the green hills and bubbling burns of Rothes in Speyside, with crisp apples and juicy pears shining through. Or alternatively, immerse yourself in our 2007 Glen Ord, capturing the essence of the northern Highlands with its dual lochs and grassy flavours reminiscent of the Scottish mountain landscape.
While exploring, allow us to demonstrate the stunning impact the sun-kissed hills of southern France have on our 2011 Glen Garioch, finished in a beautiful Pauillac cask. Or savour our Sauternes-finished 2010 Blair Athol, offering yellow stone fruit, stewed apples and warming ginger, akin to a picnic pudding in the Scottish mountains.
Join us in celebrating the first release of The Odyssey Range, where each sip offers a taste, “sense of place”, and craftsmanship that define our spirits. Be sure to keep an eye out for our second release this autumn, Coasts & Shores, exploring the captivating flavours of the sea which includes a further 25 casks and ought to round off an exceptional 2024 BB&R Spirits offering.