Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Scotch Whisky

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie is the distillery’s signature bottling, a vibrant Islay single malt crafted from 100% Scottish barley and bottled at 50% ABV. Unlike peated neighbours, this unpeated malt showcases a fresh, floral and fruity house style, shaped by the sea air of Loch Indaal and matured in a variety of American oak casks. Each batch is uniquely hand-assembled by Head Distiller Adam Hannett, delivering lively, barley-forward character with remarkable depth and elegance.

Tasting Notes & Experience

On the nose, barley sugar and fresh wildflowers open to hints of mint, cherry blossom and coastal breeze. The palate is clean, lively and barley-driven, with ripe green fruit, caramelised lemon drops, honey and sweet malt layered with gentle oak. The finish is smooth and balanced, lingering with sea spray, soft fruit and malt sweetness.

Key Details

• Producer: Bruichladdich Distillery
• Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Region: Isle of Islay, Scotland
• ABV: 50%
• Volume: 700ml
• Serve: Neat, with a splash of water, on the rocks

Cocktail Pairings

The Classic Laddie shines neat, but its fresh style elevates cocktails: Laddie & Ginger with ginger ale for a refreshing highball; Classic Laddie Sour with citrus and egg white for silky texture; The Young Laddie by Death & Co, a spirit-forward showcase of its complexity; Laddie Rob Roy with spiced pear liqueur for nutty depth; and a Smoked Apple Whisky Sour for a warming, autumnal twist.

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded in 1881, Bruichladdich is renowned for pushing boundaries while honouring tradition. Rebuilt and revived in the early 2000s, it has become a pioneer of transparency, terroir and sustainability on Islay. The Classic Laddie reflects this ethos: non-chill filtered, free from colouring, and bottled at 50% ABV to highlight its barley provenance. Each batch is uniquely created, embodying the distillery’s philosophy of authenticity and flavour over uniformity.

Special Features

Made exclusively from Scottish-grown barley, matured by the Atlantic coast in American oak casks, and bottled without chill-filtration or colouring. Every batch is a unique assemblage, ensuring subtle differences while maintaining the bright, floral Bruichladdich style. Its higher bottling strength (50% ABV) delivers intensity and purity of flavour rare among core single malts.

Recognition & Accolades

The Classic Laddie has earned acclaim worldwide:

• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2022
• Double Gold – NZ Spirits Awards, 2022
• Silver – NZ Spirits Awards, 2020
• 93/100 Points – Bartender Spirits Awards, 2025
• Silver – Whiskies of the World Awards, 2018
• Whisky of the Month – The Whisky Exchange, June 2015

These accolades affirm its place as one of the most distinctive and respected unpeated Islay single malts.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Presented in Bruichladdich’s iconic turquoise bottle, The Classic Laddie is as striking on the shelf as it is on the palate. A thoughtful gift for whisky lovers and a superb choice for those seeking a fresh, modern take on Islay single malt.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.