Bruichladdich has unveiled what it believes to be the world’s first quadruple-distilled 18-year-old scotch whisky.
Bruichladdich’s whiskies are typically twice distilled, while some Irish whiskies undergo triple distillation. The new release, Bruichladdich X4+18 Edition 01, was run through Bruichladdich’s stills four times, reaching a strength of 85% abv.
The idea for a quadruple distilled whisky was inspired by a 17th-century account from travel writer Martin Martin, who described a spirit known as ‘usquebaugh-baul’ – or ‘perilous whisky’ – distilled four times on the Scottish islands.
After distillation, Bruichladdich’s whisky was laid down in mixture of bourbon and rivesaltes casks for 18 years on Islay, and eventually bottled at 63.5% abv.
Just 2,400 bottles of the tipple have launched via DTC (rsp: £225/70cl).
Bruichladdich had “never been afraid to push boundaries”, said the brand’s master distiller Adam Hannett.
“Quadruple distillation is almost unheard of in whisky,” he said. “Some Irish distillers and a handful of scotch producers triple distil to achieve a lighter, smoother character – but we believe we’re the only distillery to have bottled a whisky distilled four times and brought it to market.
“The final bottling is quite incredible – it’s completely unique and unlike anything else we produce. It almost has to be tasted to be believed, and we’re incredibly proud of the result.”
X4+18 Edition 01 is the first in a four-part series from Bruichladdich that would explore “radical distillation and cask exploration” according to the brand. Edition 02 is set to launch in 2027.
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