This single malt whisky is the third instalment from Bladnoch of their Loch Maberry Stories of Bladnoch limited-edition series. The series celebrates individuals who have a deep affinity with the distillery. In partnership with Bladnoch’s master distiller, Dr Nick Savage, the whiskies are selected by these individuals. This third chapter follows Mr. Arnold’s cask in 2024 and Elizabeth Cobbett’s cask in 2025.
Chapter Three celebrates a love story. Roddie and Elaine met by chance following Roddie’s visit to Bladnoch distillery with friend Iain earlier in the day. Both had lost their respective spouses to cancer in the months leading up to that meeting. They again met by chance several months later and their relationship blossomed. Bladnoch was served at their wedding as a hat tip to the role played by the distillery in their meeting.
Bladnoch was founded in 1817 by brothers John and Thomas McClelland. It is the oldest Lowland distillery that remains in production, beating Auchentoshan (founded in 1823) and Glenkinchie (1837). It is also Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery. The distillery is in a remote spot of Dumfries & Galloway, close to the village of Wigtown. This is further south than parts of northern England, including the city of Newcastle.
The name is derived from the ancient Gaelic place name of Blaidzenoch. The nearby River Bladnoch supplies the water for whisky production, which flows from Loch Maberry around 30km to the north. The current owner is David Prior, who saved the distillery from liquidation in 2015. He funded a complete renovation with production recommencing in 2017. The current capacity is 1.5 million litres per year.
The single cask that Roddie and Elaine (pictured, above) selected with the help if Dr. Nick Savage is a French oak ex-Cognac hogshead (#9000126). This was distilled and filled in November 2017 and bottled in July at 8 years of age. It is released at the natural cask strength of 58.9% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. The cask has yielded just 458 bottles. Each will cost £108.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is a deep russet amber and the nose is very fruity and sweet. Initial aromas of caramelised peach and apricot are joined by some sugary sultana and candied orange peel. This has a marmalade-like feel. Caramel and butterscotch are also evident, as are further aromas of soft muscovado sugar and delicate baking spice. Hints of milk chocolate and cocoa powder sit underneath.
On the palate this whisky has a creamy and sumptuous texture to begin but with wood spice and tannins building nicely later on. The fruitiness is again intense and to the fore. There is plenty of burnt orange and marmalade up front. This is joined by plump sugary sultana, raisin and something reminiscent of canned peaches. A hint of fairground toffee apple lingers in the background.
The sweetness is pronounced too – think of golden syrup, caramel and brown sugar with hints of milk chocolate and milky coffee. As mentioned, the spices then evolve – think of cinnamon bark, cassia, mace and a hint of clove. These give an extra warmth and increasing dryness. The oak dials itself up, especially towards the end, while an interesting nutty and marzipan-like characteristic also comes through.
The finish is of decent length and sees the spices becomes more dusty with an added peppery warmth developing. This accentuates the oak tannins, especially once the fruity and sweet characteristics have faded a little. The whisky grips the taste buds superbly and gives a late mouthwatering quality.
What’s The Verdict?
Full term maturation in ex-Cognac casks is still rare in the Scotch whisky industry, so when you get one it feels like a rare treat. The story and marketing around this bottling is great, but what ultimately counts is the liquid. This does not disappoint and offers a delightful set of flavours and aromas. With less than 500 bottles in existence, you should seek one out as a priority if interested.You can thank us later.
