Bruichladdich Introduces the Second Expression of The Laddie Rye, Exclusively in the U.S.

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Bruichladdich The Laddie Rye 2026
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The 2026 Islay-grown rye whisky is aged six years, priced at $59.99 and arrives as the distillery marks its 25th anniversary

Following the success of its 2025 U.S. debut, Bruichladdich has launched the second expression of The Laddie Rye, its Islay-grown rye whisky. Available exclusively in the United States, the whisky is distilled from locally grown rye and Islay malting barley harvested within an 11-mile radius of the Hebridean distillery.

Key Highlights

  • Islay-grown: Made with local rye and Islay malting barley
  • Regenerative: Supports soil health and sustainable farming
  • Anniversary release: Coincides with Bruichladdich Distillery’s 25th anniversary

Farm to Bottle on Islay

Aged six years, The Laddie Rye is fully traceable from farm to bottle. Every drop has been harvested, distilled, matured and bottled on the island. 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 to cultivate the climate-resilient crop. It is currently the only distillery on Islay producing a rye whisky.

How It Was Made

Distilled from a single-farm 2019 harvest and bottled at 50% ABV, The Laddie Rye was matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill American Virgin Oak casks. A selection of the bourbon barrels was returned to the cooperage to be de-charred and re-charred, adding an undercurrent of smoldering, toasted oak.

“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.

“Armed with knowledge from the inaugural rye expression, our mashmen were able to extract even more from the grain this time around. Still true to Bruichladdich’s signature elegant, citrus character, The Laddie Rye takes the spirit in a new direction – resulting in a refined, layered and earthy expression. It’s a whisky about place, authenticity and a true celebration of our raw ingredients.”

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Crushed cloves, aniseed and licorice balanced with vanilla, caramel and toasted coconut
  • Palate: Peppery spice, clove, nutmeg, soft caramel, orchard fruits and smoldering oak
  • Finish: Earthy rye intertwines with warm oak spice, fading to honeyed fruit and bright citrus

25 Years of Progressive Whisky-Making

Since the distillery’s resurrection in 2001, Bruichladdich has championed diverse cereal growing to reconnect whisky with its essential raw ingredient. Its program now explores organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming, ancient barley varietals and Islay-grown grains. Today it works with 19 farming partners across Islay to grow more than 50% of the malting barley used in its total production.

The distillery was the first Scotch whisky company in the world to achieve B Corp certification, in 2020.

Price and Availability

The Laddie Rye is priced at $59.99 and is available exclusively in the U.S. at us.bruichladdich.com and at selected specialist retailers.

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