The Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery has announced the launch of its latest Laddie Rye release, a US exclusive distilled using locally grown rye and Islay-grown malting barley, harvested within an 11-mile radius of the Hebridean distillery.

Bruichladdich – The Laddie Rye (50% ABV) is a six-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, distilled from a single farm harvest in 2019 and matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels and second-fill American virgin oak casks.

Since its revival in 2001, Bruichladdich has championed cereal diversity in an effort to reconnect whisky with its essential raw ingredient. Now, 25 years on, the distillery has developed an extensive cereal-growing programme, exploring organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming methods, ancient barley varieties and Islay-grown grains.

Today, Bruichladdich works with 19 farming partners across Islay to cultivate more than 50% of the malting barley used in its overall production. The Laddie Rye features a distinctive mash bill combining Islay-grown rye and malting barley.

As a rotational crop, rye helps diversify crop rotations and reduce the need for agrochemicals, supporting regenerative agriculture and long-term soil health. Bruichladdich has worked with local farming partner Andrew Jones of Coull Farm since 2017 to cultivate this climate-resilient crop and is currently the only distillery on Islay producing rye whisky.

Coinciding with the distillery’s 25th anniversary, the latest release of The Laddie Rye is said to demonstrate Bruichladdich’s unwavering commitment to balancing people, profit and planet. The distillery became the first Scotch whisky company in the world to achieve B Corp certification in 2020 and continues to use its business as a force for good.

Following the success of The Laddie Rye’s US debut in 2025, this latest release is said to offer aromas of crushed cloves, aniseed, liquorice, vanilla, caramel and toasted coconut on the nose. The palate reveals notes of peppery spice, clove, nutmeg, soft caramel, orchard fruits and smouldering oak.

Commenting on the launch, Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich’s Master Blender, said: “We really leaned into experimentation and interesting wood types when it came to this release. The de-char/re-char of the ex-bourbon barrels adds depth and complexity, bringing immense wood spice and a robust, leathery oak character that beautifully complements the earthiness of the Islay-grown rye.”

“Armed with knowledge from the inaugural rye expression, our mashmen were able to extract even more from the grain this time around. Still true to Bruichladdich’s signature elegant, citrus character, The Laddie Rye takes the spirit in a new direction, resulting in a refined, layered and earthy expression. It’s a whisky about place, authenticity and a true celebration of our raw ingredients.”

Bruichladdich – The Laddie Rye, is now available from selected retailers in the US, for a RRP of $59.99.