The Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery has launched what it believes to be the world’s first quadruple-distilled 18 Year Old Scotch whisky.

Bruichladdich X4+18 Edition 01 Release (63.5% ABV) is a limited-edition single malt, matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Rivesaltes wine casks.

This latest release, produced from spirit first distilled in 2006 by former Master Distiller Jim McEwan MBE, marks the beginning of a dynamic four-part series, with each 18 Year Old expression bringing together radical distillation techniques and innovative cask exploration.

While Bruichladdich spirit is typically distilled twice – and some Irish whiskey is often triple distilled – X4+18 takes the process a significant step further. The spirit was run through the stills four times, reaching 85% ABV before being laid down in cask. The result is said to be a uniquely pure whisky that, despite its high bottling strength, remains refined, complex and bursting with fruit character.

The idea for quadruple distillation was inspired by a 17th-century account from travel writer Martin Martin, who described a spirit known as usquebaugh-baul – or “perilous whisky” – distilled four times on the Scottish islands.

Commenting on the launch, Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich’s Master Blender, who has safeguarded the spirit and overseen its maturation 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.”

He 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.”

Bruichladdich X4+18 Edition 01 Release – the first instalment in a four-part series, with Edition 02 due in 2027 – sets the tone for B Corp-certified Bruichladdich’s 25th anniversary celebrations in January 2026, when the distillery is expected to unveil further special releases reflecting its short but impactful modern history.

Limited to 2,400 bottles, Bruichladdich X4+18 Edition 01 Release is now available from the distillery’s website and selected retailers, for a RRP of £225.00.