Whisky Focus - Bruichladdich Twenty One and The Classic Laddie Sherry Cask Edition

If you will be lucky enough to travelling this summer then here are two new whiskies to look out for, Bruichladdich Distillery has introduced two new single malt whiskies exclusive to global travel retail: The Bruichladdich Twenty One, the brand’s first aged statement exclusive to GTR, and The Classic Laddie Sherry Cask Edition.

The first major showcase of these new releases is at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4 Departures, as part of the Changi 1st initiative in partnership with Lotte Duty Free Singapore, from 15 May to 30 June. Following this debut, the whiskies will be available at key airports worldwide from this month.

The Classic Laddie Sherry Cask Edition

This new edition of Bruichladdich’s signature Classic Laddie spirit retains its iconic aqua bottle and features the brand’s citrus and floral notes. Matured in Oloroso sherry casks from Fernando de Castilla, Jerez, Spain, this edition is said to offer enhanced complexity. Bottled at 50% ABV with a recommended retail selling price (RRSP) of €70, the distillery tells me that it opens with light fruit notes of apple and apricot, complemented by nutty aromas and spices from the sherry casks. The palate reveals dried fruits, dates, and malt sugar, with a rich and deep finish thanks to the Oloroso sherry maturation.

Aligned with Bruichladdich’s sustainability goals, The Classic Laddie Sherry Cask Edition features eco-friendly packaging. The new bottle, made with 60% recycled glass, is 32% lighter, reducing total packaging CO2 emissions by 65%. Other sustainable elements include a polypropylene closure and a cork made from bio-based materials, with organic ink used for coating.

The Bruichladdich Twenty One

The Bruichladdich 21 Year Old is the latest addition to the brand’s Luxury Redefined high-age statement whisky range. Produced exclusively on Islay, this expression embodies the distillery’s heritage and commitment to innovation. The whisky is matured for over two decades on Islay, with each barley varietal, farmer, and cask fully traceable. Bottled at 50% ABV with an RRSP of €250, it is aged in 80% bourbon casks and 20% sherry casks, described as offering earthy dried fruit, layers of spice, chocolate, almond, sweet vanilla, and a hint of gorse flower.

The packaging is also pioneering, featuring a bespoke, sustainable outer wrap made from fully recyclable paper pulp and shaped to fit the bottle. Produced using 100% green energy, this packaging aligns with the distillery’s commitment to sustainability.
Changi-First Collaboration

These exclusive whiskies debuted globally in May at Singapore Changi Airport, under the Changi 1st initiative known for launching exclusive products and pop-ups. The release is supported by a Bruichladdich Tasting Bar pop-up in partnership with Lotte Duty Free Singapore. This immersive 52.5 sq m activation, located in T4 departures, features The Classic Laddie’s bright aqua with orange accents, referencing the new Sherry Cask Edition.

Specialist brand ambassadors offer complimentary tastings using an interactive play-table, enhancing the traditional sampling experience with a digital tasting mat that brings the Bruichladdich story to life. The pop-up includes experiential displays highlighting the whiskies’ stories, a jumbo bottle lightbox, and a levitating bottle centrepiece, showcasing the new lightweight packaging and eco-friendly credentials. Bespoke POSM is also on display to engage and educate consumers, promoting the brand’s commitment to reducing unnecessary packaging and waste.

"It is incredibly exciting to be partnering with Lotte Duty Free and Singapore Changi to showcase our travel retail-exclusives at this Changi-first activation,” noted Rémy Cointreau CEO Global Travel Retail Fida Bou Chabke.

"We know that our discerning GTR consumers are always looking for innovation when they travel, and premium exclusives such as these allow us to keep our offer fresh and exciting, and tell a story. Not only are we able to bring a taste of Islay to Singapore through our pioneering spirits, we’re able to make the case for proactive, powerful sustainability measures, too.

"Bruichladdich is the unconventional Islay whisky for those who seek to defy expectations. This activation marks a significant step for us, and these packaging innovations underscore our commitment to the planet as a B Corp business.

"Both The Classic Laddie Sherry Edition and The Bruichladdich Twenty One will have huge appeal for travellers seeking something more contemporary and adventurous within the world of whisky – and for gift-buyers on the hunt for something out of the ordinary. These are #NotYourClassic whiskies."

Jeff Jeong Soongyu, Managing Director of Lotte Duty Free Singapore, added: "This partnership with Rémy Cointreau for Bruichladdich underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled products and experiences to our discerning travellers.

"By introducing these exclusive and innovative Bruichladdich expressions, we are enriching our premium whisky portfolio with offerings that appeal not only to seasoned whisky aficionados but also to curious newcomers. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to providing unique, high-quality selections that elevate the travel retail experience at Changi Airport."

If you have no travel plans in the near future you will find the current Bruichladdich whisky range available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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