Bruichladdich celebrates 25 years with Old Skool
Islay distillery Bruichladdich is marking 25 years since its resurrection with a 10-year-old single malt called Old Skool.
Since being brought out of mothballs in 2001, 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.
The brand’s commitment to local growing not only produces flavour-forward, high-provenance and fully traceable single malt whiskies, but is said to ‘add value beyond the distillery gates’ by supporting Islay’s agricultural community and ensuring the island remains a thriving place to live and work.
Bruichladdich Old Skool is the first of three limited edition anniversary bottlings that will be released this year. It was distilled using 100% Islay-grown malting barley from 14 local growers, all located 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 past 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.”
The whisky is presented in a commemorative bottle inspired by retro Bruichladdich labels of the 1980s.
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 was primarily matured in American oak Bourbon casks with a small parcel of first-fill Sauternes casks, which is said to have added depth and nuance to the whisky.
On the nose, a vibrant medley of ripe stone fruits opens with apricot, nectarine, and red plum.
The palate also offers notes of juicy stone fruits, adding a bright citrus lift alongside layers of soft barley sugar, stewed pear and ripe apple. Warming clove and ginger offer gentle spice, with toasted almond, golden brown sugar, and a hint of minerality giving the whisky depth, complexity and structure.
Apricot jam and toasted coconut settle on the finish.
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 stone 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.
In May, the distillery will simultaneously celebrate Fèis Ìle 2026 and its anniversary with the return of its Rock’ndaal festival.
Bruichladdich Old Skool has an RRP of £60 (US$81) and is available via bruichladdich.com and in selected whisky retailers from today (10 March).
Related news
Top 10 new products for National Tequila Day
