Bruichladdich The Laddie Rye Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Bruichladdich The Laddie Rye Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky is a 100-proof (50% ABV) Scotch whisky, 750mL, aged 7 years — the first rye release from Bruichladdich, a U.S.-exclusive limited release. Distilled from 55% Islay-grown rye and 45% Islay-grown malted barley — unpeated, non-chill filtered, natural color — and matured in first-fill bourbon barrels plus virgin American oak casks that were toasted, not charred. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Bruichladdich is the only Islay distillery currently distilling rye. The program began in 2017 in partnership with 15 local Islay farmers, who grow rye as a rotation crop to support soil health — a statement of regenerative agriculture with full farm-to-glass traceability. The distillery calls it "bringing together the very best of Islay and America": Islay grain, American oak maturation with a slow, gentle "Crianza" toasting. No secondary tin ships with it, per the distillery's packaging-reduction commitment.
Tasting notes (official us.bruichladdich.com copy): "expect peppery heat, warming spice and mellow oak, all punctuated with Bruichladdich's signature sweet and floral character." Press tastings add: pepper, pear, and malt on the nose; butterscotch, rye spice, and citrus on the palate with a lovely oily mouthfeel.
Why buy: A pioneering bottle — Islay rye is a category of one, and this is a U.S.-only, limited-quantity release. Peppery rye heat meets Bruichladdich's floral sweetness in a way no American rye can copy. More Scotch whisky at Del Mesa Liquor or browse Bruichladdich at Del Mesa Liquor.
FAQ — people also ask:
Q: Is The Laddie Rye a single malt?
A: No — it's an Islay single grain Scotch whisky (rye plus barley, distilled at one distillery), not a single malt.
Q: Is it peated like other Islay whiskies?
A: No — it's distilled unpeated, so the rye spice and American oak lead instead of smoke.
Q: Why no tin packaging?
A: The distillery omits the secondary tin as a packaging-reduction commitment — the whisky is the same. Compare more whiskey at Del Mesa Liquor.