Islay Whisky, Bruichladdich

Bruichladdich: Islay, Argyll
Owning Company: The Whyte and Mackay Group PLC
Production Status: Non-operational
Established: 1881
Water Source: Private dam
Location: Western shore of Loch Indaal
Age when bottled: 10, 15, and 21 years old
ABV: 40%

The Distillery
Bruichladdich (meaning the 'brae by the shore') was built in 1881 by Robert, William and John Gourlay Harvey. The family were established distillers from Glasgow. By 1886 the Harvey family had a share capital of �24,000 and controlled Bruichladdich, Yoker and Dundashill distilleries. At this time the distillery was re-built and became the Bruichladdich Distillery Company (Islay) Ltd. This company ran the distillery until it was forced to close during the inter-war years.

By the late 1930s, due to expansive American investment in Scotch whisky, Joseph Hobbs was able to buy and re-open the distillery. After this point it was quickly passed to Associated Scottish Distillers Ltd, then to Ross and Coulter, A.B. Grant's company Bruichladdich Proprietors Ltd, and finally to Invergordon distillers, part of the Whyte and Mackay group.

The Distillery Today
In 1969 the distillery was bought by Invergordon Distillers as part of a programme designed to create an integrated distilling group. In 1975 an additional two stills were added to the original pattern, thus enlarging the mash-house and tun-room and taking capacity far beyond the original design.

In 1994 the distillery ceased production

Tasting Notes
Owing to its water source and the tall necked stills, Bruichladdich is less heavily peated and lighter than other Islays. It has an oily texture, a delicate nose, and tastes of almonds and moss rather than peat, and sea-breeze.

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