Bruichladdich Distillery marks 25th anniversary with Rock’ndaal festival featuring Nathan Evans and Tide Lines.
Bruichladdich Distillery will host its Rock’ndaal festival on 24 May 2026 as part of Islay’s Fèis Ìle celebrations, marking both the distillery’s 25th anniversary since reopening and the festival’s 40th year. The event will feature performances from Nathan Evans and The SAINT PHNX Band, Tide Lines, Cammy Barnes and Calum MacPhail, alongside exclusive whisky releases.
The Hebridean distillery was reopened in 2001 by founders Simon Coughlin, Mark Reynier and master distiller Jim McEwan after being mothballed. More than 2,500 visitors are expected to attend the festival to celebrate the anniversary in the distillery’s courtyard on the shores of Lochindaal.
Two limited-edition Rock’ndaal single malt Scotch whisky releases will be available for sampling and purchase. A 25th anniversary bottling will also be revealed on the day.
The Botanist Gin will serve specialist cocktails while local restaurants and artisans provide food offerings.
“The festival is doubly special for Bruichladdich this year as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the distillery’s reopening and the 40th anniversary of Fèis Ìle,” said Gareth Brown, global marketing director at Bruichladdich Distillery.
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“Every year we’re in competition with ourselves to go one better than the previous year, and 2026 is no exception. We’ve got more drams, the biggest musical acts and extra surprises in store for those who make their pilgrimage to the distillery to help us celebrate on the day.”
Master blender Adam Hannett will host an expanded masterclass for 500 attendees, double the previous capacity.
The session will feature hand-selected drams including past releases and previously unseen single malts from the distillery’s archive. Hannett will be joined by guests from Bruichladdich’s past and present.
Masterclass tickets cost £150 ($187) including general festival admission. Entry is via ballot at www.bruichladdich.com/pages/rockndaal-tickets from 16-19 February.
General admission tickets priced at £30 ($37) go on sale 23 February via bruichladdich.com or at the distillery’s visitor centre.
The festival and masterclass will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.
Bruichladdich’s Rock’ndaal has become one of the most anticipated events during Fèis Ìle week, combining whisky tastings with live music performances in a festival atmosphere that draws visitors from across the globe to the remote Scottish island.
