Bruichladdich, the progressive Hebridean distillery, has unveiled Bruichladdich Old Skool, a 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky created to mark 25 years since the distillery’s resurrection in 2001 – and a celebration of flavour-forward whisky making.
Since the distillery’s resurrection, Bruichladdich has championed diverse barley growing in pursuit of flavour, aiming to reconnect whisky with its essential raw ingredient.
The distillery pioneered the first trial of Islay grown barley in 2004, reintroducing the grain back to the island. A revolutionary old idea, Bruichladdich’s commitment to local growing not only produces flavour-forward, ultra-high provenance and fully traceable single malt whiskies, but adds value beyond the distillery gates – supporting Islay’s agricultural community and ensuring the island remains a thriving place to live and work.
Bruichladdich Old Skool is the first for three limited-edition anniversary bottlings to be released this year and is distilled using 100% Islay-grown malting barley from 14 local growers, all within a nine-mile radius of the distillery.
Gareth Brown, Global Marketing Director at Bruichladdich Distillery said: “Bruichladdich Old Skool is a celebration of our revival and everything we’ve stood for over the last 25 years. When the distillery was brought back to life in 2001, it wasn’t just about reopening the doors – it was about reimagining what Scotch whisky could be, with flavour, transparency, and Islay firmly at the heart.
“Old Skool reflects that founding vision. Distilled using barley grown on our island home and presented in a bottle inspired by our heritage, it’s a reminder that progress doesn’t mean forgetting where you come from. It’s flavour-forward, Islay centric whisky making – rooted in place, shaped by our community, and true to the spirit that has defined Bruichladdich since its resurrection.”
Housed in a commemorative bottle inspired by retro Bruichladdich labels of the 1980s, the limited-edition anniversary release marries traditional Scotch whisky design features with the brand’s contemporary outlook. The proprietary bottle is optimised to reflect the distillery’s commitment to sustainability, featuring approximately 60% recycled glass content.
Bottled at 50% ABV, the single malt Scotch whisky has matured primarily in hand-selected American oak bourbon casks with a small parcel of first-fill Sauternes casks, adding depth and nuance. Un-chill filtered and containing no added colour, resulting in a bold, expressive single malt whisky that captures Bruichladdich spirit at its very best.
Master Blender, Adam Hannett, said: “Bruichladdich Old Skool is a very honest expression of who we are at Bruichladdich. Using 100% Islay-grown barley gives the whisky a depth of flavour and a real sense of place. That natural barley sugar sweetness is central to our house style and runs right through the spirit.
“It’s matured primarily in carefully selected first-fill bourbon casks, which allow the character of the barley to shine, bringing notes of stoned fruits, citrus zest and caramelised vanilla. A small parcel of first-fill Sauternes casks adds a subtle layer of floral sweetness, working in harmony with the fruity spirit and the inherent richness of Islay malt barley.
“This is a whisky shaped by patience and provenance – confident, expressive and rooted in the way we’ve been making whisky on Islay for the past two decades.”
This year, Bruichladdich Distillery will celebrate the anniversary of its 2001 resurrection with a year-long programme of events and special limited-edition releases, paying tribute to the people, products and place behind the distillery’s revival and looking ahead to the next quarter of a century – and beyond.
You Might Also Like:
Bruichladdich Old Skool has an RRP of £60 and will be available via bruichladdich.com and in selected whisky retailers from 10th March 2026.
For more information on Bruichladdich Old Skool and Bruichladdich Distillery, visit bruichladdich.com.
