Bruichladdich Unveils Fèis Ìle 2026 Exclusive Releases
Bruichladdich Distillery has unveiled Port Charlotte PC5 Redux Rock’ndaal 05.1 and Octomore OBA Redux Rock’ndaal 05.2, limited releases that will be available exclusively for Fèis Ìle 2026, also known as The Islay Festival.
Port Charlotte PC5 Redux Rock’ndaal 05.1:
Port Charlotte PC5 Redux commemorates the first liquid to come off the stills following the distillery’s 2001 reopening, and is a reimagining of the distillery’s first ever heavily peated release.
Port Charlotte PC5 Redux was distilled from heavily peated (40PPM) 100% Scottish barley sourced from the Scottish Mainland and 14 Islay farms: Blackrock, Carrabus, Craigens, Dunlossit, Newmains, Gartloist, Cruach, Islay Estate, Island Farm, Kilchiaran, Starchmill, Tormisdale, Persabus and Cladville. It was matured for five years on Islay in first-fill Bourbon barrels, Oloroso hogsheads, Pedro Ximenez hogsheads, and recharred Bruichladdich whisky barrels that were married and then bottled at 63.5% ABV. Presented non-chill filtered and coloring free, Port Charlotte PC5 Redux is limited to 2,500 bottles and is priced at £75.00 for a 700 mL bottle.
Official tasting notes for Port Charlotte PC5 Redux Rock’ndaal 05.1 follow:
Nose: The first impression is unmistakably Port Charlotte: robust peat smoke rising gently from the glass like embers from a beach bonfire. Sweet citrus oils follow quickly — lemon zest, candied orange and green apple — wrapped in warm vanilla and soft malt sweetness. As the whisky opens, delicate herbal notes emerge, thyme, wild rosemary and sea-swept grasses carried on the Atlantic winds. Beneath the smoke lies the unmistakable character of the Bruichladdich stills — elegant, aromatic and expressive.
Palate: Bold and vibrant at first. Sweet malt and creamy vanilla coat the palate before the peat smoke builds steadily, dry and earthy, burnt heather rather than medicinal. Bright orchard fruits — apple skins, pear drops and fresh lemon zest — cut through the smoke, bringing lift and freshness. American oak adds gentle sweetness: honey, coconut and soft caramel. The spirit shows remarkable balance, with a texture that pleasantly coats the mouth.
Finish: Long, warming and lively. The smoke lingers alongside cracked black pepper, toasted oak and a final flourish of citrus. Salty coastal air and kiln smoke fade slowly, leaving a dry, mineral echo of Islay in the glass.
Octomore OBA Redux Rock’ndaal 05.2:
Octomore OBA Redux is a reimagining of Octomore Black Art (OBA), which was first introduced by Adam Hannett in 2016 at his inaugural Fèis Ìle Masterclass as Head Distiller.
As is the case with all Black Art releases, Bruichladdich has omitted the details behind this single malt’s craft – malting, age, phenol level, and maturation profile are entirely unknown. The only known specifications are that Octomore OBA Redux was distilled from 100% Scottish Barley and has been bottled at 54.2% ABV. Presented non-chill filtered and coloring free, Octomore OBA Redux is limited to 2,500 bottles and is priced at £325.00 for a 700 mL bottle.
Official tasting notes for Octomore OBA Redux Rock’ndaal 05.2 follow:
Nose: Peat smoke drifts gradually at first, with whispers of honeysuckle and geranium leaf. Then a vibrant surge of bright tropical fruits, melon, mango and sun-ripened peach – intermingled with the intensity of stewed orchard apples and sweet apricot jam. Opulent layers of vanilla crème brûlée and zesty orange marmalade emerge, beautifully enveloped by smoked barley, fragrant marzipan and toasted praline. As the spirit breathes, it reveals a structural depth of resinous toasted oak and gingerbread spice, a bold counterpart to peat smoke and fruit.
Palate: Exceptionally rich and viscous on the palate, oily and rounded. Jammy stoned fruits and tropical sweetness coat the senses, balanced by roasted marzipan and salted hazelnuts. Beneath the surface, toasted oak and supple worn leather provide a strong foundation with cracked black pepper, nutmeg and gingerbread bringing a gentle spiced warmth.
Finish: Long and elegant. Echoes of sweet, charred oak and tropical fruit slowly surrender to the last accent of ethereal peat smoke which lingers delicately.
Port Charlotte PC5 Redux Rock’ndaal 05.1 and Octomore OBA Redux Rock’ndaal 05.2 will be available for pre-order through the Bruichladdich website and in-person at Bruichladdich Distillery beginning May 24th.
Source: Bruichladdich Distillery.