Lochindaal 10 Year Old 43%

A highly sought-after, discontinued 10 Year Old single malt from the early 2000s, released from old stocks under the historical Lochindaal name.

1. Historical Context (350 words, factual)

The Lochindaal 10 Year Old 43% is a bottle of high historical significance, representing a transitional moment for the Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay. The name "Lochindaal" pays tribute to a historic distillery that operated in the village of Port Charlotte on Islay from 1829 until its closure in 1929. In the modern era, Bruichladdich (which sits on the shores of the same sea-loch) adopted the name to designate a line of heavily peated single malt whisky, typically peated to around 50 parts per million (ppm).

This specific 10 Year Old 43% bottling, believed to have been bottled around the time of the distillery's rebirth, is particularly intriguing. It was released from the old stocks that were left in the warehouses when Bruichladdich was acquired and reopened by the independent bottler Murray McDavid in 2000 (S_S13, S_S14). Crucially, the liquid in these bottles was likely distilled by the previous owners, Whyte & Mackay, who controlled Bruichladdich until the mid-1990s. Therefore, this bottling is a "rare mystery Islay expression", offering a taste of Bruichladdich's pre-2000, pre-Murray McDavid era production philosophy.

The fact that it was bottled at 43% ABV, slightly higher than the $40\%$ ABV standard of the time, suggests it was intended for a more discerning market or specific export requirements. This discontinued expression, which preceded the modern, highly successful Port Charlotte and Octomore ranges, is a tangible link to Islay's industrial past and the complex history of Bruichladdich's ownership before its modern era began.

2. Technical Specification & Variant Map

The Lochindaal 10 Year Old 43% is valued primarily on its age statement and strength, which are highly unusual for the liquid's presumed origin.

2.1 Documented variant

The core specifications are consistent for this discontinued release:

• Standard Strength: 43% ABV. This elevated strength is a key characteristic, ensuring flavour integrity.
• Standard Volume: 70cl.
• Age Statement: 10 Years Old.
• Production Era: Bottled in the late 1990s/early 2000s, from stocks distilled by previous owners.

2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist

• Brand Identity: The label should clearly display the Lochindaal 10 Year Old name.
• Outward Presentation: The bottle typically comes with its original presentation carton. The condition of this carton is important for collector value.
• Liquid Provenance: The liquid is believed to be heavily peated malt, characteristic of the Lochindaal style. The bottling at 43% ABV is a unique signature of this specific discontinued expression.

2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes if applicable

• Single Malt Scotch Whisky: Distilled entirely from malted barley at the single Bruichladdich Distillery.
• Peating Level: The Lochindaal spirit generally sits in the heavily peated category (around 50ppm), distinguishing it from Bruichladdich's main unpeated line. Whether this specific vintage bottling was chill-filtered or coloured is Not stated by the producer, but typically assumed for the period's standard age-stated releases.

3. Liquid Profile

The profile is defined by a heavy peated presence balanced by sweet and maritime characteristics.

Nose: The aroma is dominated by peat smoke and oily citrus peels. This sits alongside notes of smouldering sawdust and sea breeze, complemented by chocolate and salted vanilla.

Palate: The mouthfeel is defined by peppery spice and oily smoke. The intensity is balanced by a sweet core of green apple, apricot, and oaky vanilla. There is a touch of medicinal character and clear notes of salted caramel and bonfire ash.

Finish: The conclusion offers lingering whisps of earthy iodine, moving into a creamy finish with floral honey and a final touch of citrus zest. Medicinal smoke and sultana notes persist.

4. Pricing & Market Dynamics

The Lochindaal 10 Year Old 43% is a rare, discontinued Islay malt, with pricing that has appreciated significantly due to its scarcity and the high value of Bruichladdich's experimental peated lines.

Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): 284.99 GBP.

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 35.00 - 70.00 GBP. The wide range reflects historical auction prices before the recent surge in Islay demand; the current market value is more closely aligned with the retail price.

Pricing stratification: The 43% ABV bottling is the highest-priced variant of this discontinued age statement, confirming its superior collector status over any non-peated or low-strength variants.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low, with bottles only appearing sporadically in specialist auctions. The current retail price reflects the extreme scarcity and high cost of acquiring this vintage, discontinued Islay expression.

5. Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Bruichladdich Distillery, located on the Rhinns of Islay, was founded in 1881. After being mothballed by previous owners, it was famously resurrected in 2001 and is renowned for its progressive approach to whisky making, focusing on high provenance, terroir, and experimental cask maturation. The distillery's output is categorised by peat level: unpeated Bruichladdich, heavily peated Port Charlotte, and super-heavily peated Octomore. The "Lochindaal" spirit designation specifically fills the heavily peated category and pays tribute to the area's historic distilling past.

6. Sourcing

• Target formats/eras to prefer: Target the 70cl, 43% ABV bottling with the 10 Year Old age statement, verifying the inclusion of the original carton.
• Red flags: Be cautious of bottles lacking the age statement or the 43% ABV, as these are likely different, less valuable releases. Confirm the peated nature of the liquid, as this is the primary value driver of the Lochindaal name.
• Condition thresholds (fill/box): High ullage is mandatory. The original presentation carton is necessary to command the highest retail price.
• Margin/velocity expectations (qualitative): Low velocity (extremely niche Islay collector market). Margin is high when bought at older auction prices, but current retail pricing is already very high, limiting potential growth.