Bruichladdich creates US-exclusive rye whisky
The Laddie Rye is the latest limited edition innovation from Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery, and is available exclusively in the US.
The whisky was distilled using locally grown Islay rye and Islay malting barley from the distillery’s Hebridean home, and champions regenerative agriculture and soil health, which aligns with the B Corp-certified distillery’s mission to balance profit, purpose and planet.
The distillery currently works with a collective of 20 Islay farming partners to cultivate more than 50% of its malting barley for total production, with the introduction of rye bolstering Bruichladdich’s purpose-driven, flavour-forward growing policy.
As it stands, Bruichladdich is the only distillery on Islay producing rye whisky.
A beneficial rotational crop, rye not only diversifies the soil and reduces the need for expensive agrochemicals, but growing the grain supports regenerative agriculture and champions soil health – which is crucial for future proofing the land.
Bruichladdich has been working with local farming partner Andrew Jones since 2017 to cultivate this climate-resilient crop, who has since seen a marked and consistent improvement in the barley crop that follows each rye harvest.
As well as yielding high quality, flavour-forward barley, growing rye has reduced his reliance on chemical fertilisers by approximately 30%.
“Whisky is an agricultural product, and as progressive Hebridean distillers our responsibility starts in the soil,” said Gareth Brown, Bruichladdich Distillery global marketing director. “The Laddie Rye is not only an incredible whisky and a unique proposition from us at Bruichladdich, but stands for something more. It’s about pursuing flavour while also nurturing the land, supporting our agricultural community, and reducing our impact.”
With a distinct mash bill, The Laddie Rye is distilled using a combination of Islay-grown rye and malting barley. While Jones is the only farmer currently growing rye on the island, a further 14 local farmers have been involved in the creation of The Laddie Rye.
Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich master blender, added: “This whisky couldn’t be more ‘Islay’. Every single aspect of its creation, from growing and harvesting the rye right through to its final bottling, has been done on our island home.
“But beyond this ultra-high provenance and traceability, the creation of The Laddie Rye keeps value in the local community. We’re able to work directly with our farming partners, give them a route to market and support regenerative agriculture on Islay – all while creating a brand new, delicious whisky which is unlike anything else we’re currently producing.”
Aged for seven years and bottled at 50% ABV, The Laddie Rye has spent the entirety of its maturation life on Islay in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels and first-fill virgin American oak casks. These latter casks have been toasted rather than charred, allowing the peppery aromas and distinct flavours of the Islay-grown rye to come to the fore.
Bruichladdich’s signature fruity and floral character is redirected with this expression, with additional notes of ground ginger and cracked black pepper open on the nose, followed by a warming mix of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg.
The peppery heat from the Islay-grown rye is balanced with smooth honey and vanilla from the American oak on the palate, with Bruichladdich’s citrus style settling on the finish.
The Laddie Rye is exclusively available in the US at selected specialist retailers and is priced at US$60.
Brown said: “We’re incredibly excited to expand our offering in the United States. Not only is there a captive Scotch whisky audience, but the growth of rye whiskey is exceptionally strong, and The Laddie Rye brings something new to this dynamic category.
“There’s a growing interest for authentic spirits built on provenance, craft, innovation and bold flavour. The Laddie Rye brings together the finest, Islay-grown ingredients with quality American oak, distilled and matured on our island home, and we can’t wait to see how it is received.”
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