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November 8th, 2024
At a recent bespoke tasting event, Rémy Cointreau officially launched Bruichladdich’s new permanent high-age statement whisky range, beginning with The Bruichladdich Eighteen.
Produced exclusively on Islay, the expressions within the Luxury Redefined range showcase the distillery’s innovative past while solidifying its ambitions for the future. These whiskies are designed to provoke thought, pushing the boundaries of traditional luxury.
The premium bottlings feature a custom-made sustainable outer wrap, marking an industry first. Collaborating with the global creative agency Thirst and UK-based luxury packaging experts James Cropper, Bruichladdich has crafted packaging made from fully recyclable paper pulp, moulded to the shape of the glass bottle. Completely plastic-free, it’s produced with 100% green energy, showing that premium whisky can marry sustainability with beauty.
The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the distillery’s first permanent 18-year-old single malt and represents a significant milestone. When Bruichladdich reopened in 2001, the team aimed to reconnect whisky with its natural environment, championing terroir and supporting the local Islay community.
In 2004, Bruichladdich began sourcing barley locally from one farmer, a move that has since expanded to 20 farming partners, supplying over 50% of the barley for the distillery’s production.
Head Distiller Adam Hannett commented on the release, saying, “Every single element of The Bruichladdich Eighteen – from the specific barley varietals used to the casks it matured in – is fully traceable, which, for a whisky of this age, is quite incredible.” He continued, “18 years ago, we distilled spirit from locally grown barley, and our dedication to this programme has remained strong. The Bruichladdich Eighteen truly embodies our passion for creating whisky with provenance while benefiting the Islay community.”
Bottled at 50% ABV, The Bruichladdich Eighteen is made from a combination of Islay-grown barley, organic grains, and mainland varietals. It has been matured primarily in ex-Bourbon casks with some wine casks included, reflecting the distillery’s signature unpeated style. The whisky delivers notes of honey, butterscotch, and citrus, with tropical fruits and toasted oak lingering on the palate.
In keeping with Bruichladdich’s B Corp status and dedication to sustainability, the new bottle design—created in partnership with Thirst—features 60% recycled glass and an elegant glass closure.
Gareth Brown, Global Marketing Director at Bruichladdich, highlighted the significance of these high-age whiskies, noting, “These bottlings are not only incredible spirits but represent how far Bruichladdich has come since its reopening in 2001. Our aim was to demonstrate that luxury can be both pared-back and beautiful. Every aspect, from the weight and functionality of the bottle to the outer wrap, has been carefully considered to reflect our values of contemporary luxury and sustainability.”
The Bruichladdich Eighteen is available for discerning buyers at retail outlets across Malaysia, including The Chamber (The Starhill, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Sunway Pyramid), as well as Kedai Ubat Dan Runcit Yong Xin, Fook Cheong Seafoods, and Medical Trading.
For more details, visit bruichladdich.com.
Barley varietal:
The Bruichladdich Eighteen is made using a combination of Scottish Mainland, Islay and Organic barley, with each varietal and harvest fully traceable from farm to bottle
Colour:
Apricot
Nose:
Beautifully fragrant with ripe peach and honeysuckle, hints of violet and lavender come through on the nose – balanced with vanilla and creamed coconut from the toasted American oak. A medley of tropical fruit comes to fore, with melon, peaches, apricot, and vibrant citrus, while the influence of the oak brings honey, caramel vanilla custard, and rich crème brûlée
Palate:
Luxurious and viscous, honey, butterscotch and fresh fruits coat the palate, followed by cereal notes of sweet, syrup-soaked porridge, barley sugar, and toasted oak. Vibrant tropical fruit and the subtle presence of toasted oak with a hint of leather follow, with honeycomb adding to the smooth, sweet character
Finish:
The quintessential character of Bruichladdich single malt comes through on the finish. The 18 Year Old has the classic minerality for which Bruichladdich is renowned, perfectly balanced with oak, stone fruits, and a delicate floral bouquet