It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Bruichladdich. I have fond memories of trying my first very Classic Laddie and just falling in love with not only their whiskeys, but their branding and the way they've been running the distillery. Over the past few years, they have been really focused on sustainable whiskey production starting from the grains they source.
From Bruichladdich:
We are working to reduce the impact of our operations and become more environmental in our actions, all with a heightened sensitivity to growing within our island home.
We must ensure our impact is positive, and that we continue to improve the quality of life for our planet and our people. Only with a clear vision, holistic approach and a solid foundation, will future generations be inspired to take over as custodians.
Our distillery is home to four unique spirits; Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malt whiskies and The Botanist Islay dry gin.
Here we outline our ambitions under four key pillars of sustainability; Agriculture & Biodiversity, Packaging & Waste, Islay & Community, and Energy.
And that is something I can fully get behind. I've been lucky enough to own a few of their regular & special releases during the yearly festival. And with the recent announcement of their 18 & 30 year whiskeys, well, I may just have to add another one. (spoiler: the 30 year is £1,500.00 and unlikely to become part of my collection.
This week Bruichladdich announced The Bruichladdich Eighteen and The Bruichladdich Thirty - the first permanent 18 and 30 Year Old Bruichladdich bottling to be released.
Capturing two pivotal moments in their distillery history, these high-age statement expressions are the liquid embodiment of their pioneering past and steadfast commitment to the future.
The 18-year old
£150.00
Matured exclusively on Islay, primarily in ex-Bourbon casks and a small number of wine casks, The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the epitome of Bruichladdich's signature unpeated house style.
Full bodied and beautifully fragrant, notes of honey, butterscotch, and citrus orange open on the nose, with a medley of tropical fruits and toasted mellow oak lingering on the palate.
In pursuit of flavour 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 now expanded to 20 vital farming partners today who grow over 50% of the distillery’s barley for total production.
Bottled at 50% ABV and distilled from this first crop of Islay grown barley, along with organically grown grain and varietals from the Scottish Mainland, The Bruichladdich Eighteen is fully traceable, from farm to glass.
The 30-year old
£1,500.00
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% 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.
The Bruichladdich Thirty is the story of the Hebridean distillery’s resurrection. The Bruichladdich story almost ended in the late 20th century when the doors to the distillery were forced to close, with the site mothballed and all but two workers laid off in 1994.
Over the next seven years, the two remaining members of staff safeguarded the casks which continued to mature in the depths of the warehouses, before the distillery was restored in 2001.
I am continually impressed with Bruichladdich, and yes I am probably biased. I might be able to convince my significant other that we need to add the 18 year to our collection. So hoping that I get lucky enough to at least try one of these releases.
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