Laddich's Own

Independently owned Islay distillery Bruichladdich launched its first 10 Years Old single malt whisky since reopening in May 2001 under new ownership.

Employees, islanders and other guests joined the owners at the distillery for the unveiling of the new whisky, followed by a celebratory breakfast to watch the first bottlings of the product roll off their own production line, the following day.

Reynier noted: “It’s a very proud and highly emotional moment for all of us. This is the first spirit we distilled, once we got it all going again. This is the hard-won fruit of 10 years of unrelenting blood, sweat and tears by the whole team.”

Master distiller and Ileach, Jim McEwan added “The last 10 years have been the best years of my life. Why God gave Islay whisky, I don’t know. But I’m sure glad he did.”

The company plans to develop its core range of whisky brands with the flagship providing an unpeated, delicate whisky. However, the distillery will stay true to the island’s roots by producing two peated malts under the banners of Port Charlotte and Octomore, named after a local farm. The latter’s distillation will feature a heavy peating level, upwards of 100 ppm, while Port Charlotte shall carry a more subtle peated tone.

The 10 Years Old, named The Laddie Ten, was initially released in a batch 1,000 bottles, specially labelled for the opening ceremony with a sticker proclaiming “I was there!!”

The Laddie Ten will be avail-able nationwide with a RRP of £33.00.