Bruichladdich has released what it believes is the world’s first quadruple-distilled 18-year-old Scotch whisky.
The new expression, X4+18 Edition 01, is limited to just 2,400 bottles and forms part of a planned four-part series from the Islay-based distillery. It was first distilled in 2006 by former Master Distiller Jim McEwan MBE, using a rarely attempted quadruple distillation process. The spirit has spent the last 18 years maturing in a combination of Bourbon and Rivesaltes casks at the distillery.
The process was inspired by a 17th-century account from travel writer Martin Martin, who described a strong spirit known as usquebaugh-baul, or ‘perilous whisky’, said to have been distilled four times on the Scottish islands. McEwan revived the idea in 2006, paving the way for a series of experimental bottlings, including X4+3 in 2009, Octomore Discovery in 2014, and Octomore X4+10 in 2019.
Adam Hannett, Master Blender at Bruichladdich, who has safeguarded the spirit and overseen its final coming of age and bottling, said “Bruichladdich has never been afraid to push boundaries. X4+18 Edition 01 is the culmination of a daring experiment, 18 years of patience, and the perseverance of our Islay home. It shows that innovation can go hand-in-hand with elegance, excitement, and truly exceptional flavour.”
While Bruichladdich spirit is typically distilled twice, and triple distillation is sometimes used in Irish Whiskey, quadruple distillation remains highly unusual. The X4+18 Edition 01 reached 85% ABV during distillation before being casked and is bottled at 63.5% ABV.
Hannett continued: “Quadruple distillation is almost unheard of in whisky. Some Irish distillers and a handful of Scotch producers triple distil to achieve a lighter, smoother character – but we believe we’re the only distillery to have bottled a whisky distilled four times and brought it to market. The final bottling is quite incredible – it’s completely unique and unlike anything else we produce. It almost has to be tasted to be believed, and we’re incredibly proud of the result.”
The X4+18 Edition 01 is presented in Bruichladdich’s own Luxury Re/Defined bottle, made from recycled glass. The label, designed by creative agency Thirst, features four abstract graphic elements that represent the whisky’s distillation journey.
This release also leads into Bruichladdich’s 25th anniversary in January 2026, when further special editions are expected. Edition 02 in the X4+18 series is due to follow in 2027.