Bruichladdich Launches 14-Year Islay Barley Unpeated
The oldest release in the distillery's Islay Barley range debuts in Australia, with first-batch sales limited to Whisky Club Australia members.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Wine
Bruichladdich Distillery has debuted Islay Barley Unpeated 14 Year Old in Australia. The first batch retails for AU$145 and is available exclusively to The Whisky Club Australia members from 6-8 November.
Why it matters
The release draws on remnants of 2011 vintage stocks, the last year the distillery was independently owned and operated. It extends the Islay Barley range well beyond the six-to-eight-year ages of previous releases.
The whisky was aged 14 years in American and French oak casks, including ex-Sauternes and first-growth Bordeaux wine barrels, and bottled at 50% ABV. The barley comes from six local farms within an eight-mile radius of the distillery on Islay.
The players
Bruichladdich Distillery
A single malt distillery on the Scottish island of Islay known for its unpeated and peated whiskies, which was independently owned and operated until 2012.
Abi Clephane
The global brand ambassador for Bruichladdich Distillery who hosted the masterclasses that debuted the release.
The Whisky Club Australia
An Australian whisky club whose members receive exclusive first access to the first batch of the release.
The details
The release was debuted through masterclasses hosted by the distillery's global brand ambassador, Abi Clephane. Members in New Zealand will receive the release early next year, followed by other markets.
Timeline
2011: Vintage stocks laid down, the last year of independent ownership.
6-8 November 2026: Exclusive availability to Whisky Club Australia members.
Early 2027: Release available to members in New Zealand.
Season Trajectory
The release extends Bruichladdich's Islay Barley range to a 14-year age statement, well beyond the six-to-eight-year releases that preceded it. It draws on 2011 stocks laid down in the last year the distillery was independently owned, placing it within the island's premium, longer-aged single malt segment.
Whisky Club Australia members can purchase the first batch at AU$145 during the 6-8 November exclusive window. Buyers in other markets will need to wait for later releases, with New Zealand members scheduled to receive the whisky in early 2027.
The takeaway
Older single malts from closed-era stocks, such as this 2011 vintage, are becoming a focal point for distilleries seeking premium positioning. Readers interested in aged Islay whisky can compare age statements and cask finishes when evaluating new releases.
What happens next
Members in New Zealand will receive the release early next year, followed by other markets.
Further reading
For more on fermented and distilled drinks from around the world, explore Wine.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spirits Business.
