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Whisky Review: Bladnoch Samsara

We review Bladnoch Samsara, a non-age statement whisky from Scotland created to celebrate the rebirth of the most southerly distillery in that region.

OVERALL RATING

6
  • Kirk Sig is a whisky connoisseur known for his candid and investigative approach to whisky reviews.
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Bladnoch

Tasting Notes

About:

Bladnoch Samsara; 700ml bottle; 100% malted barley; 46.7% ABV / 93.4 proof; a non-age statement release available both in Australia and also the United Kingdom as of the time this review was published. It should hit the US later this year.
Appearance:
Burnished copper in color, with legs that run down the glass very quickly. No appreciable beading. The whisky is both of natural color and non-chill filtered in nature.
Nose:
Palate:
Finish:
Comments:
Blanoch is a distillery that gets my hopes up. I’ve tasted some amazing indie bottlings over the years . . . and yet, in all honesty, the OB’s have tended to disappoint. If it’s any consolation, I feel the same way about Auchentoshan. Indies from that place can really shine. In order to get me interested in an official bottling, however, it’s gotta be 21 Years Old.rnrnBack when I first started getting into Lowland whiskies, Rosebank and Ladyburn could still be had for a reasonable price. These Lowland offerings spoiled me, I’m afraid. Why? Because when they are good, then they are REALLY GOOD! As for when they are bad . . . well, more often than not, when they are bad, then they are REALLY BAD. rnrnIn my experience, there aren’t very many “pretty goods” or “sort of bads” when it comes to classic old Lowland whiskies. And, yes, age matters. We have the right to be ageists when it comes to single malt Scotch whisky, especially when it hails from the Lowlands.rnrnSamsara is a decent new start for the Little Distillery That could, though I do have some reservations on it. I wish David Prior all of the luck in the world.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Whisky Kirk

Kirk Sig's fascination with Scottish whisky ignited in 1987 during a visit to Edinburgh. In the ensuing three and a half decades, he has cultivated an extensive understanding of distilleries, the whisky industry, and the global whisky landscape.

Kirk prides himself on providing candid and unvarnished reviews, eschewing the prevalent flattery and fluff that often permeate whisky commentary. This direct approach has occasionally ruffled feathers in influential circles, which he views as a testament to his commitment to prioritize the interests of the consumer.

Embracing the spirit of investigative journalism, Kirk's reviews delve deeper, leaving no stone—or cask—unturned. He believes in transparency and ensures that readers are privy to any noteworthy findings, fostering an informed and empowered whisky community.

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