Bruichladdich Releases Second Expression of The Laddie Rye

Bruichladdich Distillery has introduced the second expression of The Laddie Rye, an Islay-grown rye whisky available only in the U.S.

The six-year-old whisky uses rye and malting barley grown within an 11-mile radius of the distillery on Islay. The 2026 release follows the brand’s U.S. debut in 2025 and coincides with Bruichladdich’s 25th anniversary.

Distilled from a single-farm 2019 harvest, The Laddie Rye comes bottled at 50% ABV. The whisky matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill American virgin oak casks. Bruichladdich also returned a selection of bourbon barrels to the cooperage for de-charring and re-charring, a process intended to influence the whisky’s oak character.

“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 said the distillery’s experience with its inaugural rye expression helped its production team extract more from the grain for the second release.

The whisky’s flavor profile includes crushed cloves, aniseed, licorice, vanilla, caramel and toasted coconut on the nose, according to the distillery. The palate contains peppery spice, clove, nutmeg, orchard fruits and oak, while the finish combines earthy rye, oak spice, honeyed fruit and citrus.

Bruichladdich has worked with local farming partner Andrew Jones of Coull Farm since 2017 to cultivate rye on Islay. The distillery uses rye as a rotational crop to diversify soil and reduce the need for agrochemicals.

The distillery also works with 19 farming partners across Islay to grow more than 50% of the malting barley used in its production. Since its reopening in 2001, Bruichladdich has expanded its grain program to include organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming methods.

Bruichladdich became the first Scotch whisky company to achieve B Corp certification in 2020.

The Laddie Rye has a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750-ml. bottle. Consumers can purchase it through Bruichladdich’s U.S. website and retailers nationwide.

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