Bruichladdich Distillery is to launch a new 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky as part of its programme celebrating 25 years since the Islay site was brought back into production in 2001.
Bruichladdich Old Skool is the first of three limited-edition anniversary releases due this year. The whisky has been distilled using 100% Islay-grown malting barley sourced from 14 local growers, all within a nine-mile radius of the distillery.
The launch continues Bruichladdich’s long-running focus on barley provenance and local sourcing. The distillery began trials with Islay-grown barley in 2004 and has since made it a central part of its whisky making.
Bottled at 50% ABV, Old Skool has matured mainly in American oak bourbon casks, with a small parcel of first-fill Sauternes casks also used in the vatting. It is un-chill filtered and contains no added colour.
The whisky will be sold in a commemorative bottle drawing on Bruichladdich label designs from the 1980s. The distillery said the bottle also reflects its sustainability targets, with around 60% recycled glass content.
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.”
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.”
Bruichladdich Distillery said further limited-edition releases and anniversary events are planned later this year as part of its 25th anniversary programme.
Bruichladdich Old Skool has an RRP of £60 and will be available through bruichladdich.com and selected whisky retailers from 10 March 2026.
