New bottle of The Classic Laddie
Since its reactivation in 2001, the Bruichladdich distillery has focused - in addition to making excellent whisky, naturally - on two aspects. Social and environmental. Bruichladdich focuses its attention on the role it plays in the economy and life of the Islay community. Today it is the island's largest employer, and the support offered by the distillery to local farmers cannot be underestimated. This state of affairs was not changed by the takeover of the plant by the multinational Rémy Cointreau in 2012, which best demonstrates the genuine awareness of Bruichladdich's management of the company's role in the life of the local community.
The second important aspect of Bruichladdich's activities is its environmental policy. Not long ago, Bruichladdich left customers of its online store the option to purchase bottles packaged in cardboard boxes, or to forgo this extra packaging. Today, the distillery, describing itself as "Progressive Hebridean Distillers," has taken another step forward.
The just-unveiled new bottle of the standard, entry-level edition of The Classic Laddie means a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions during production of the packaging and transportation by a not inconsiderable 65%. This was achieved by using much lighter glass, largely recycled. Its weight has been reduced by 32%, which has also reduced the environmental cost of transporting this one of Islay's most popular whiskies - more bottles can be fit on a single pallet, thereby reducing the CO2 emissions associated with transportation per single bottle. In addition, the option to provide a cardboard box has been dropped. As of now, The Classic Laddie is available for purchase exclusively without additional packaging.
The new bottles are now available in the distillery's online store and will gradually displace the existing bottles from the market. With subsequent deliveries, they will replace the old, less eco-friendly design on store shelves. Suggested retail price for a single bottle of The Classic Laddie is £45.
The bottle itself has retained its previous appearance in terms of color, lettering and overall layout. It has changed slightly in terms of size, and has gained a slightly altered shape and additional embossing.
Founded in 1881, the Bruichladdich distillery is located on the shores of Loch Indaal Bay, which cuts deep into the island of Islay. Until the reactivation of the distillery in 2001, it was something of a rarity on the island, as in a region known for its heavily smoky, peaty whiskey - and abundant in excellent quality peat - it produced primarily light, non-peaty whiskey. The situation changed with the new ownership and management of Jim McEwan, who moved to Bruichladdich from Bowmore and took on the roles of master distiller and director of the. production. The use of peat smoke and heavily smoked barley malt was recalled quite quickly in Bruichladdich. The same year saw the first chipping of peaty Port Charlotte, and in 2002 production of a true peaty monster, Octomore, began. In the case of the latter, the level of smokiness of malt with peat-derived phenols exceeded 100 ppm, and there were cases where malt with phenol content of more than 300 ppm was used to produce certain editions.
In 2020, Bruichladdich was certified as a B Corporation, awarded to companies with a strong commitment to social and environmental issues. Bruichladdich has thus joined an extremely elite group of whisky producers who have proven with their activities that for them these are not just elements of marketing, but a real and sincere commitment.
The permanent offer of the House of Whisky Online includes wide range of Bruichladdich products. We encourage you to keep an eye on our news section, as it is only a matter of time when the new bottles will arrive as well.
[14.07.2023 / photo: Bruichladdich]