Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Whisky 70cl

Islay whisky with a coastal backbone and a bright, barley-forward vibe, this one’s for drinkers who want flavour that feels alive, not just “more smoke.” Bruichladdich Classic Laddie is the kind of bottle that makes you pay attention, all citrus zip, sea air, and that clean cereal sweetness that screams Scotch without shouting.

Why it works so well is simple, it tastes like where it’s from. Islay sits out on the Atlantic, so you get that natural salt-and-brine character that shows up in the glass. But instead of leaning on heavy peat, Classic Laddie plays the other side of the island, freshness, fruit, and a little mineral edge. It’s still unmistakably Islay, just in a more vibrant, less smoky direction.

This is also a great pick if you like whiskies that keep changing as you sip. One moment it’s lemon and green apple, the next it’s vanilla and malt biscuits, then a little white pepper and coastal salt creeps in. It’s the kind of layered Scotch that rewards curiosity without turning into homework.

• Nose: Sea spray, lemon peel, green apple, fresh grain, a hint of vanilla
• Taste: Barley sugar, citrus zest, pear and apple, light honey, a pinch of peppery spice with a clean, oily texture
• Finish: Salty-mineral, gently spicy, lingering citrus and soft vanilla

In your home bar, it’s a clutch “anytime” Islay option because it can pull double duty. It’s interesting enough to sip when you want to focus, but it also plays nicely when you’re mixing and don’t want smoke to bulldoze everything else. Think bright whisky highballs, whisky sours that stay crisp, or any cocktail where citrus and grain-forward Scotch make the whole drink pop.

If you’re building a Scotch shelf, Classic Laddie is a smart way to cover Islay without going full campfire. You get the island’s signature coastal personality, plus a fresher flavour profile that’s easy to come back to. It’s a bottle that turns “I guess I like Islay” into “okay, I get it now.”

Fun Fact: Bruichladdich is famous for obsessing over transparency, they’ve been known to put unusually detailed production and cask info out in the world, because they want you to know what’s in your glass, not just be impressed by the label.