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Scotch Whisky Review: Bladnoch Vinaya

Matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks, Bladnoch Vinaya hails from Scotland’s Lowland region and is named for the Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude.

OVERALL RATING

8
$40
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks, Bladnoch Vinaya hails from Scotland’s Lowland region and is named for the Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude. Bladnoch Vinaya was recently awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025. Bottled at 46.7% ABV.


Appearance:
Bright Copper
Nose:
Sweet floral aromas of vanilla, heather and freshly cut grass, giving way to fresh green apple and honey. I always get notes of Parma violet sweets from bourbon cask matured Bladnoch expressions – these notes are present here but a little more muted, possible due to the sherry cask maturation.
Palate:
The palate opens with slightly tart green apple, giving way to vanilla, peppery oak and a combination of caramel and chocolate sweetness, very smooth and mouthcoating. There’s also undertone notes of cut grass, heather and Parma violets.
Finish:
Medium length finish, with lingering peppery oak, fresh grass, and caramel sweetness. There’s a hint of rich sherry at the close.
Comments:
The entry level core range expression from Bladnoch, Vinaya is a smooth easy drinking whisky driven by sweet and floral aromas and flavours. The ex-Bourbon cask notes are dominant, but there is a little sherry cask influence particularly at the finish.

An ideal everyday whisky, Bladnoch Vinaya is one of my regular recommendations for anyone getting into whisky, and I feel the expression stands above many competing entry level whisky brand expressions.

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.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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