The new limited edition Yellow Submarine III pays tribute to the distillery’s irreverent early years when a real yellow Ministry of Defence submarine was discovered off Islay’s coast in 2005 - with an exact replica of the lost submersible still standing proudly on site at Bruichladdich today.
The mystery around the ownership of the “yellow submarine” prompted international media attention at the time, when two fishermen hauled in the brightly coloured sub unexpectedly in 2005.
Despite Royal Navy markings on the side of the yellow submersible, the Ministry of Defence initially denied it owned it leading to international media attention and the inspiration behind Bruichladdich’s original Yellow Submarine whisky.
Earlier that year the US Military Intelligence mistakenly flagged Bruichladdich as a potential site for weapons of mass destruction – a bureaucratic blunder the distillery answered with humour rather than outrage.
The Yellow Submarine whisky is part of the Whiskies of Mass Distinction (WMD) range, inspired by this mix up and the finding of the “yellow submarine”.
Yellow Submarine III is the latest iteration of the cult classic, following Whisky of Mass Distinction: Yellow Submarine (2005) and Yellow Submarine II: The Legend Resurfaces (2018).
Douglas Taylor, chief executive of Bruichladdich Distillery, said: “Yellow Submarine captures the spirit of Bruichladdich in its early years – inventive, a bit rebellious and always up for a good story. In the early days we didn’t have big budgets or slick marketing, we had a tight-knit team, a recovering old distillery and a bright yellow submarine parked outside.
“Bringing Yellow Submarine back for our 25th anniversary is about honouring that spirit. It’s a reminder that great whisky can be refined in the glass, but it doesn’t have to take itself too seriously. This release nods to our past, to the people who backed us when we were just finding our feet, and to the sense of fun that still runs through everything we do.”
Bottled at 54.2% ABV, Yellow Submarine III is unpeated and distilled from 100% Scottish barley, using the Appaloosa varietal grown on the mainland. The whisky has spent its full 14-year maturation at Bruichladdich on Islay, in a carefully balanced recipe inspired by the original 2005 bottling: 25% first fill bourbon barrels and 75% first and second fill French red wine casks.
The French red wine casks add layers of nutty spice, fruit and structure to Bruichladdich’s elegant, floral house style, while the bourbon wood contributes vanilla, sweetness and texture.
Adam Hannett, master blender at Bruichladdich, said: “Yellow Submarine III is one of those whiskies that makes you smile as soon as you nose it. The bourbon and French red wine casks wrap around the spirit beautifully – you get honeyed oats, buttery shortbread, then this ripple of nutmeg, hazelnut and gentle ginger heat.
“On the palate it’s luxuriously smooth, with orange zest, honeysuckle, apple and pear all playing their part, before crème brûlée richness and a touch of sea salt bring you right back to Islay. It’s playful, layered and moreish – exactly what a Yellow Submarine whisky should be. Dive in!”
Yellow Submarine III is non-chill filtered, with no added colour. It is priced at £100 and will be available via the Bruichladdich website and through specialist whisky retailers from 1 June 2026.
Read more: The strange case of the yellow submarine captured off Islay
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Read more: Meet the Distiller: Adam Hannett, Master Blender at Bruichladdich
