A great-great-granddaughter of Bladnoch Distillery’s co-founder has reconnected with her family’s whisky heritage after discovering photographs in her parents’ attic, leading to the creation of a special limited-edition single malt.
Bladnoch Loch Maberry Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two, is now available for an RRP of £150.
Bladnoch Loch Maberry Chapter Two Reveals Family Connection
Elizabeth Cobbett’s journey began with old photographs that revealed her direct connection to Thomas McClelland, who founded Scotland’s oldest privately-owned distillery with his brother John in 1817. Her grandmother Margaret Tyrer was born near the distillery in 1882, before the family moved to Liverpool when Bladnoch was sold.
The discovery prompted Cobbett to delve deeper into her family history. She had visited the distillery briefly in the 1990s but hadn’t explored the connection further until finding the photographs 20 years later. Following Bladnoch’s revival online, she responded to an invitation for people to share their stories, which led to her selection for the Loch Maberry series.
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Working with master distiller Dr. Nick Savage, Cobbett selected Cask 450/2006 for the release. The whisky was distilled in 2006 and matured in a sherry butt cask.
According to official tasting notes, the expression displays notes of coffee, chocolate and almonds with a long, nutty almond finish.
“I feel privileged to have been chosen to share my story and select a cask at Bladnoch,” Cobbett said. “Despite my heritage, before my Scottish adventure to the distillery, I knew very little about whisky and have never felt it was for me. My wonderful day at Bladnoch changed that. I discovered the skill of master blender, Dr Nick Savage, the alchemy, and the subtlety involved in making whisky and learned to truly appreciate a glass of the ‘water of life’.”
Bladnoch Loch Maberry Series Celebrates Personal Connections
The Loch Maberry series takes its name from the source of the River Bladnoch, which provides water for the distillery. Chapter Two follows the 2024 inaugural release that honored Mr. Arnold, a longtime admirer who discovered Bladnoch while living in nearby Garlieston.
Australian businessman David Prior purchased Bladnoch in 2015, becoming the first Australian to own a Scotch whisky distillery. Under his ownership, the distillery has undergone a significant revival while maintaining its historic character.
Dr. Nick Savage emphasized the importance of these personal connections. “When we share Stories of Bladnoch, we celebrate history, adventure, and community, and Elizabeth’s story captures all of this,” he said. “Her 20-year journey reconnecting with the distillery her great-great-grandfather co-founded shows that, like whisky, connections take time and patience to mature.”
The new release features natural color and is non-chill filtered with an ABV of 48.6%. It comes in a presentation box containing letters from both Cobbett and Savage describing their collaboration.
The whisky is priced at £150 and is available through Bladnoch.com.
Bladnoch Chapter Two is being unveiled at Bold Spirit: Tales of Galloway today. The storytelling evening is part of the distillery’s partnership with the 27th annual Wigtown Book Festival, running for ten days in Scotland’s National Book Town.
The Loch Maberry series represents Bladnoch’s effort to connect whisky enthusiasts with the distillery’s 208-year history through personal narratives. Each chapter features someone with a unique connection to Bladnoch, allowing them to select and help craft a special release that tells their story.
