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Islay distillery Bruichladdich (pronounced bruk-la-dee) has launched two new expressions, The Bruichladdich Eighteen and The Bruichladdich Thirty, as part of the new Luxury Redefined line. These are the first of a permanent brand extension into high age statement whiskies for Bruichladdich.
The Eighteen
The first new expression is, naturally, an eighteen year old single malt. That number represents a milestone for the distillery, which was reopened 2001. The new Bruichladdich team set course to reconnect land and dram, championing its raw ingredients, introducing the concept of terroir to the whisky world. In pursuit of flavor and to support the agricultural community on Islay, Bruichladdich began working with one farmer in 2004 to raise a crop of locally grown barley. This pioneering trial has expanded to include 20 farming partners today who grow over 50% of the distillery’s barley for total production.
“18 years ago, we distilled spirit from locally grown barley and our passion to diversify and champion our growing program has never wavered,” said Head Distiller Adam Hannett. “Every element of The Bruichladdich Eighteen – from the specific harvest and barely varietals used, to the exact casks it has matured in – is fully traceable. At Bruichladdich Distillery, we’re committed to making delicious whisky with real provenance that benefits the community – and The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the embodiment of this ethos.”
Matured exclusively on Islay in primarily ex-Bourbon casks and bottled at 50% ABV, The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the epitome of the brand’s signature, unpeated house style. Full-bodied and beautifully fragrant with notes of honey, butterscotch, and citrus orange open on the nose, and a medley of tropical fruits and toasted mellow oak lingering on the palate.
The Bruichladdich Thirty
The second expression draws on stock that predate the distillery’s reopening and reinvention, which has been the rule for the Bruichladdich brand in the 21st Century due to the production gap the temporary closure in 1994 caused. Over the next seven years, the two remaining staff safeguarded the casks which continued to mature in the depths of the warehouses, before the distillery was reopened in 2001.
“The Bruichladdich Thirty has been distilled using these legacy – almost lost – casks, capturing a pivotal moment in time for the distillery,” explains Adam Hannett. “This 30-year-old single malt not only celebrates the resurrection of our Victorian distillery but pays homage to the men who laid down this spirit three decades ago.”
The Bruichladdich Thirty has spent the entirety of its maturation life in handpicked, exceptionally rare ex-Bourbon casks. A limited and refined single malt Scotch whisky, The Bruichladdich Thirty is bottled at 43.2% ABV, bringing the sweetness of toasted oak, honey, and soft vanilla to the fore. Delicate yet complex, a hint of dark chocolate complements the spirit’s elegant floral profile while the gentle influence of sea air lingers – a subtle nod to the whisky’s all Islay maturation.
Furthermore, aligning with the B Corp distillery’s commitment to reduce its packaging and waste, the Luxury Redefined series is housed in the brand’s new decanter-style proprietary bottle. The new bottle contains an average of 60% recycled glass content, is lighter in weight, and features an elegant glass closure.
The Bruichladdich Eighteen and Thirty are available at specialty whisky retailers and are priced at $179.99 and $1,999.99 respectively per 750mL bottle.
