Port Charlotte Heavily Peated Islay 18 Year Old

Since its founding in 1881, the Bruichladdich distillery has faced a turbulent journey, almost as if fate had written it that way. Family conflicts, recessions, industry monopolies, disappointments, world wars and sheer bad luck have marked its history. It is, in a way, a miracle that it is still standing.

In 1994, it was bought by Jim Beam Brands and eventually closed, with all staff let go — on an island known for its scarcity of jobs. Only two men, Budgie and John, remained as night watchmen, keeping an eye on the locked distillery. This small, fascinating distillery has always been at the heart of the Rhinns community on Islay. Today, Bruichladdich is the island's largest private employer, proud to generate jobs. Allan, the current manager, is one of the youngest in the Scotch whisky industry.