Whisky Review: The Bruichladdich Eighteen

Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whisky from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.

Since its reopening in 2001 following a seven-year shuttering, Scotland’s Bruichladdich distillery has carved a unique niche for itself among the Islay-based whisky makers. It’s not just the whisky that’s unique, but also the approach. Bruichladdich’s uniquenesses, which keep fans coming back, are rooted in its Islay-centric approach. The distillery strives to keep as many of its operations on the island as possible, including significant use of locally grown malt in some of its expressions and having enough warehousing to ensure all single malts are conceived, distilled, matured and bottled solely on the island.

Its whiskies are split among three different brands: Bruichladdich, an unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky; Port Charlotte, a heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky; and Octomore, the world’s most heavily peated Scotch whisky series . The Bruichladdich line-up recently saw the addition of the new Luxury Redefined range, described as this brand’s first permanent high-age statement whiskies. Thus far, it includes an 18-year-old and a 30-year-old.

What’s in the bottle

The whisky being reviewed here, The Bruichladdich Eighteen, is partly drawn from Islay-grown barley. Bruichladdich began working with one farmer in 2004 to raise a crop of locally grown barley. This trial has expanded to include 20 farming partners today who produce over 50% of the distillery’s barley for total production.

“18 years ago, we distilled spirit from locally grown barley and our passion to diversify and champion our growing program has never wavered,” said Head Distiller Adam Hannett, at the time of this expression’s release. “Every element of The Bruichladdich Eighteen – from the specific harvest and barely varietals used, to the exact casks it has matured in – is fully traceable. At Bruichladdich Distillery, we’re committed to making delicious whisky with real provenance that benefits the community – and The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the embodiment of this ethos.”

The Bruichladdich Eighteen, in addition to Islay barley, is also distilled from Scottish mainland and organic barleys before being primarily aged in ex-bourbon casks and a small number of former Sauternes and Port casks. It is bottled at 50% ABV, is unchill-filtered, and is coloring-free. Price-wise, it clocks in at $179.99.