Bruichladdich 14 years old Yellow Submarine (Reclassified) - 25th Anniversary Limited Release - 70cl

Bruichladdich Yellow Submarine [Reclassified] – 14 Year Old

Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery: Bruichladdich Distillery
Region: Islay, Scotland
Series: Whisky of Mass Distinction – WMDIV
Age: 14 Years
Bottled: 2026
Bottle Size: 700 ml
ABV: 54.2%
Barley: 100% Scottish barley
Malting: Unpeated
Cask Profile: 75% first-fill bourbon barrels, 25% first- and second-fill Bordeaux red wine casks
Filtration: Non-chill filtered
Colouring: Natural colour
Edition: 25th Anniversary Limited Release
Condition: New and in perfect condition

The Bruichladdich Yellow Submarine [Reclassified] marks the return of one of the distillery’s most distinctive and cult-followed releases. Released in 2026 to celebrate Bruichladdich’s 25th anniversary, this is the fourth chapter in the Whisky of Mass Distinction series, following the original Yellow Submarine releases of 2005 and 2018. (Bruichladdich Distillery⁠)

The story behind the name began when Islay fishermen John Baker and Harold Hastie discovered a remote-controlled yellow submarine in the waters off the Bruichladdich coast. The unusual vessel was brought back to the distillery for safekeeping before the Ministry of Defence eventually reclaimed it. To commemorate the bizarre event, Bruichladdich created the original Yellow Submarine whisky. (Bruichladdich Distillery⁠)

This new 14-year-old expression revisits the spirit of the original while introducing a new cask combination. The whisky is made from 100% Scottish, unpeated barley and matured in a precise combination of 75% first-fill bourbon barrels and 25% first- and second-fill Bordeaux red wine casks. It is bottled at a substantial 54.2% ABV, without chill filtration or added colouring. (Bruichladdich Distillery⁠)

Tasting Notes

Nose:
Sweet and honeyed, with oats, buttery shortbread and gentle cereal notes. Toasted hazelnuts and praline develop alongside nutmeg, pistachio baklava, pink peppercorn and ginger.

Palate:
Luxuriously smooth and rich, with fresh orange zest, honeysuckle and orange blossom. Crisp apple and pear lead into creamy crème brûlée, golden heather and a subtle touch of sea salt, bringing a distinctly maritime character.

Finish:
Long and lingering, with honeyed sweetness, warming spice and toasted hazelnuts. The velvety texture continues through the finish, leaving a rich and moreish impression. (Bruichladdich Distillery⁠)

A distinctive and highly characterful addition to the Bruichladdich range, Yellow Submarine [Reclassified] combines an unusual history, distinctive presentation and a carefully constructed cask profile. Its 25th-anniversary status and place in the continuing WMD series make it an especially interesting release for Bruichladdich collectors.