The Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery has announced the launch of a new release created to mark 25 years since the distillery’s resurrection in 2001, celebrating flavour-forward whisky making.

Bruichladdich Old Skool (50% ABV) is an unpeated single malt Scotch whisky, matured primarily in hand-selected American oak Bourbon casks, with a small parcel of first-fill Sauternes casks.

Since its resurrection, Bruichladdich has championed diverse barley cultivation 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 to the island. A revolutionary revival of an old idea, Bruichladdich’s commitment to local growing not only produces flavour-forward, ultra-high provenance and fully traceable single malt whiskies, but also adds value beyond the distillery gates — supporting Islay’s agricultural community and helping to ensure the island remains a thriving place to live and work.

Bruichladdich Old Skool is the first of three limited-edition anniversary bottlings to be released this year. It is distilled using 100% Islay-grown malting barley sourced from 14 local growers, all within a nine-mile radius of the distillery.

This latest release from the Hebridean distillery is said to deliver notes of ripe stone fruits, creamy vanilla custard, barley sugar, orange blossom, fresh geranium leaves and a briny sea breeze on the nose, alongside hints of soft coconut crème caramel and malted barley. On the palate, flavours of juicy stone fruits and citrus are followed by barley sugar, stewed pear, ripe apple, creamy coconut, caramelised vanilla custard, clove, ginger and toasted almond. Notes of golden brown sugar and a hint of minerality give the whisky added depth, complexity and structure.

Commenting on the launch, 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.”

He continued: “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.”

Bruichladdich Old Skool is now available via the distillery website and specialist retailers for a RRP of £60.00.