Bladnoch Distillery is noteworthy for a number of reasons. It’s one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, dating to 1817, and it remains today the southernmost whisky producer in the country. It’s also one of only a handful of Lowland distilleries left in operation, the victim of a tortured (if interesting) history that goes all the way back to the Napoleonic Wars.
The distillery these days releases a combination of age-statement single malts up to 29 years old, along with a series of non-age-statement whiskies. It recent announced the release of three new core single malts for the U.S. market: Vinaya; 11-year-old; and 14-year-old. Bladnoch sent a small sample of each to The Whiskey Wash.
Tasting Notes: Bladnoch Vinaya
Appearance: Straw-colored, tending to water-spot the side of the glass rather than leave defined legs.
Nose: The sweetness of this whisky will come as a shock to those who claim Scotch is always dark and moody. (You know who you are!) In this case, think perfume, flowers, and apple cider.
Palate: It’s more traditional on the tongue than it was in the nose. The single-malt flavor is unmistakable, though even here it walks on the light side. There’s a surprising chocolate finish that turns out to be nice. Before that, though, you taste pears and pepper-spice, along with a light effervescence that hints at sparking wine.
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Score: 3.5 / 5
Tasting Notes: Bladnoch 11-year-Old
Vital stats: 100% malted barley, aged 11 years in ex-bourbon casks; 93.4 proof/46.7% alcohol by volume; $64.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
Appearance: Light amber, tending toward orange; runny legs on the side of the glass.
Nose: Crisp green apple, chilled (Pinot Gris) white wine, honeysuckle. It’s sweet, light, and refreshing on the nose.
Palate: Juicy pear, potpourri, honey, just the slightest hint of smoke. As with the Vinaya, there’s no question this is a single malt. The barley flavor is there, but it’s lighter and more invigorating than I’m accustomed to with Scotches.
Score: 3.5 / 5
Tasting Notes: Bladnoch 14-year
Vital stats: 100% malted barley, aged 14 years in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks; 93.4 proof/46.7% alcohol by volume; $109.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
Appearance: Darker than the Vinaya or 11-year, more russet-colored. Solid legs on the side of the glass.
Nose: Brings to mind a fruity, jammy red wine. I couldn’t help but think of yellow raisins – the ones that are sweeter and juicier than normal raisins – and zesty lemon bars.
Palate: This whisky is richer and moodier than its two siblings. Think prunes, dark chocolate, and golden, cinnamon-covered French toast. The sherry cask flavors really settle on the finish, which lingers long after your glass is empty.
Score: 4 / 5
The Takeaway: I’ve had very little Lowland Scotch in my day. Most Scotch I buy or review is from farther north, or one of the islands. But I have to say that Bladnoch impressed me. I enjoyed its tendency toward being lighter, fruitier, almost refreshing. It’s not a bad price point either, for the most part. Call me a convert.
