Bruichladdich has launched the 2026 edition of The Laddie Rye, an Islay-grown rye whisky available exclusively in the United States. The release follows the expression’s US debut in 2025 and coincides with the distillery’s 25th anniversary.
The whisky is distilled using locally grown rye and Islay malting barley, harvested within an 11-mile radius of the Hebridean distillery. Aged for six years, the rye was harvested, distilled, matured and bottled on Islay.
As a rotational crop, rye helps diversify the soil 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 and is currently the only distillery on Islay producing a rye whisky.
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Distilled from a single-farm 2019 harvest and bottled at 50% ABV, the whisky was matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels and second-fill American virgin oak casks. A selection of Bourbon barrels was returned to the cooperage to be de-charred and re-charred.
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“We really leaned into experimentation and interesting wood types when it came to this release,” said Bruichladdich master blender Adam Hannett. “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.”
Hannett added: “Armed with knowledge from the inaugural rye expression, our mashmen were able to extract even more from the grain this time around. It’s a whisky about place, authenticity and a true celebration of our raw ingredients.”
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READ THE STORYAccording to the official notes from the brand, the nose offers crushed cloves, aniseed and licorice balanced with vanilla, caramel and toasted coconut. The palate delivers peppery spice, clove, nutmeg, soft caramel, orchard fruits and smoldering oak, with a finish of earthy rye, warm oak spice, honeyed fruit and bright citrus.
Today, the distillery works with 19 farming partners across Islay to cultivate more than 50% of the malting barley used in its total production.
Bruichladdich was the first Scotch whisky company to achieve B Corp certification in 2020. After periods of closure in the 20th century, the distillery was revived in 2001 with a renewed emphasis on transparency, terroir and innovation.
The Laddie Rye is priced at $59.99 and is available at us.bruichladdich.com and selected specialist retailers.
