Bruichladdich Distillery has released Yellow Submarine III, a limited edition 14-year-old unpeated single malt, as the second special bottling marking 25 years since the Islay distillery’s revival. Priced at $134.99, the whisky will be available from June 1, 2026, via us.bruichladdich.com and through select specialist retailers nationwide.
The release is the third installment of the distillery’s cult Yellow Submarine series, following the original Whisky of Mass Distinction: Yellow Submarine in 2005 and Yellow Submarine II: The Legend Resurfaces in 2018.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The series originated from a notorious incident in the early 2000s when US Military Intelligence mistakenly flagged Bruichladdich as a potential site for weapons of mass destruction. The distillery responded with humor rather than outrage, launching the tongue-in-cheek bottling series. A wayward Ministry of Defence submarine discovered off Islay’s coast in 2005 further cemented the legend, and an exact replica of the lost submersible still stands in the distillery grounds.
Gareth Brown, global marketing director at Bruichladdich Distillery, said: "The Yellow Submarine series captures the spirit of Bruichladdich in its early years, inventive, a bit rebellious and always up for a good story. In the early days we didn’t have big budgets or slick marketing, we had a tight-knit team, a recovering old distillery and a bright yellow submarine parked outside."
"Bringing Yellow Submarine back for our 25th anniversary is about honoring that spirit," Brown added. "It’s a reminder that great whisky can be refined in the glass, but it doesn’t have to take itself too seriously."
Yellow Submarine III is distilled from 100% Scottish barley and matured entirely on Islay. Master blender Adam Hannett curated the recipe, drawing inspiration from the original 2005 bottling: 75% first fill bourbon barrels and 25% first and second fill French red wine casks. The whisky is bottled at 54.2% ABV, un-chill filtered, and with no added color.
Must Read Stories
"Bruichladdich Yellow Submarine III is one of those whiskies that makes you smile as soon as you nose it," said Hannett. "The bourbon and French red wine casks wrap around the spirit beautifully — you get honeyed oats, buttery shortbread, then this ripple of nutmeg, hazelnut, and gentle ginger heat."
According to official tasting notes from the brand, the palate delivers orange zest, honeysuckle, apple, and pear, followed by crème brûlée richness and a touch of sea salt.
"It’s playful, layered, and moreish, exactly what a Yellow Submarine whisky should be. Dive in!" Hannett added.
Bruichladdich, which was rescued from silence in 2001 by a group of private investors led by Mark Reynier, has operated under Rémy Cointreau ownership since 2012. The distillery holds B Corp certification and has become known for its emphasis on provenance, terroir, and transparency in Scotch whisky production.
