Bladnoch Distillery, known for being Scotland’s southernmost whisky distillery, has unveiled an exciting new series called "The Wave" as part of their Master Distiller’s Collection. This five-part limited-edition series highlights the meticulous art of whisky cask marrying, with each annual release focusing on one of the five pillars of whisky making, expertly overseen by master distiller Dr. Nick Savage.
Launch of "Wave I: Time & Maturation"
The series kicked off on June 4th with the release of "Wave I: Time & Maturation." This initial release emphasizes Bladnoch’s careful selection of casks at their peak maturation to ensure optimal flavor. This new series follows the highly regarded Waterfall Series, which concluded in May 2024 with the release of Bladnoch Waterfall 05 2024 during the annual Waterfall Day festival.
Dr. Nick Savage initiated the journey of "The Wave" by selecting five 1,500-litre Amontillado sherry tuns. Each tun is filled with whiskies from various cask types, marrying within Bladnoch’s historic 207-year-old bluestone warehouses. Each year, new cask types will be introduced, showcasing another pillar of Bladnoch’s whisky-making expertise. The process creates a continuous thread, or "wave," throughout the series, culminating in the fifth and final release, which will incorporate elements from the entire collection.
The Unique Process and Flavor Profile
For "Wave I: Time & Maturation," the first Amontillado sherry tun was filled with a blend of exceptional ex-bourbon casks from Bladnoch’s stocks, along with remaining whisky from the Waterfall 05 2024. This blending technique creates a seamless connection between the two series, ensuring a unique and continuous whisky experience.
Bottled at 53.8% ABV, non-chill filtered, and natural in color, "Wave I: Time & Maturation" presents a complex sensory profile. On the nose, it offers floral pine needles and fresh-cut oak. The palate is treated to notes of sweet oak and toasted coconut, leading to a sweet, warm, and refreshing finish.
Exclusivity and Accompanying Experiences
Limited to just 1,817 bottles, a nod to the year Bladnoch was founded, this expression is priced at £150 (approximately US$192) and is available exclusively in the UK and Australia through Bladnoch’s website.
Each release in "The Wave" series will also be paired with a music track that mirrors the whisky’s journey. For Wave I, a piano composition has been chosen to reflect the development of the whisky over time. Additionally, Bladnoch will host the Bladnoch Wave Weekend in June 2025, with further details to be revealed first to those who purchase Wave I.
Bladnoch’s Philosophy and Vision
Dr. Savage explains that the essence of "The Wave" series lies in Bladnoch’s philosophy of selecting casks based on the perfect timing rather than age. “We only ever select a cask when the time is right, not because it’s old or has reached a certain age. That right ‘time’ is determined by our deep understanding of maturation dynamics. It’s the moment of peak flavor in our warehouse environment – a climate where nothing is forced,” Savage said.
"The Wave" series represents Bladnoch’s commitment to a taste-first approach to whisky making, showcasing the bold Galloway spirit. Through this series, Bladnoch aims to take whisky enthusiasts on a journey into the art of whisky making, challenging preconceptions, and enhancing understanding along the way.
In summary, Bladnoch’s new limited-edition series, "The Wave," promises a unique and immersive whisky experience, combining meticulous craftsmanship, innovative blending techniques, and a deep appreciation for the art of whisky maturation. With each release, enthusiasts can look forward to exploring another facet of Bladnoch’s rich whisky-making heritage.
About Bladnoch
Bladnoch is a renowned scotch whisky distillery located in Wigtownshire, Scotland in the lowland region. It holds the distinction of being the oldest operational distillery in the country, with a history that dates back over 200 years. The distillery is situated on the banks of the River Bladnoch, near the village of Wigtown, and is surrounded by picturesque scenery.
Bladnoch has a rich and storied past. It was officially established in 1817 by brothers John and Thomas McClelland, and it quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional single malt whiskies. Throughout its history, Bladnoch has faced various challenges, including changes in ownership and periods of closure. However, in 2015, the distillery was revived and brought back to life by Australian entrepreneur David Prior.
Under Prior's ownership, Bladnoch underwent extensive renovations and upgrades, blending traditional methods with modern innovations. The distillery focuses on producing premium single malt whiskies using locally sourced ingredients and traditional production techniques. Bladnoch takes pride in its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
Bladnoch whiskies are known for their distinct character and flavor profiles. The whiskies often exhibit a delicate and complex nature, with a balance of fruity, floral, and sometimes slightly peaty notes. The distillery's offerings include a range of expressions, from smooth and approachable releases to limited-edition and rare bottlings.
Bladnoch's core range of whiskies includes a selection of expressions that showcase the distillery's distinct character and flavor profiles. Here are some examples of Bladnoch's core range:
- Bladnoch 11 Year Old: This expression is aged for 11 years, allowing the whisky to develop a distinct character over time. It presents a balance of flavors, with notes of citrus, vanilla, honey, and a touch of spice.
- Bladnoch 14 Year Old: The 14 Year Old expression showcases the whisky's maturation and complexity after being aged for an extended period. It offers a rich and nuanced profile, with flavors of orchard fruits, toffee, dark chocolate, and hints of oak.
- Bladnoch 19 Year Old: The 19 Year Old expression represents a whisky that has undergone a long maturation process, resulting in a deep and sophisticated flavor profile. It may feature notes of dried fruits, caramel, baking spices, and a subtle influence of oak.
- Bladnoch Samsara: This expression is known for its smooth and well-balanced profile. It features a combination of bourbon and sherry cask maturation, resulting in notes of citrus, vanilla, and gentle spices.
- Bladnoch Talia: Talia is a well-rounded whisky that has been matured in bourbon casks and finished in new oak casks. It exhibits flavors of honey, vanilla, orchard fruits, and a subtle hint of spice.
- Bladnoch Vinaya: Vinaya is a harmonious blend of Bladnoch's single malts, combining a variety of cask types. It delivers a balanced and approachable profile with notes of creamy toffee, orchard fruits, and a gentle spice.
These expressions represent a selection from Bladnoch's core range, offering whisky enthusiasts a range of flavors and styles to explore, each showcasing the craftsmanship and quality associated with the distillery. It's worth noting that Bladnoch may introduce new expressions or limited editions from time to time, adding to the diversity of their offerings.
In addition to its whiskies, Bladnoch is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability. The distillery employs environmentally friendly practices and strives to minimize its ecological footprint. Bladnoch prioritizes responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious production methods in the whisky industry.
Bladnoch welcomes visitors to experience its distillery and learn about the whisky-making process firsthand. Guided tours offer insights into the history, production, and maturation of Bladnoch whiskies, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage behind each bottle.
Overall, Bladnoch stands as a cherished distillery in the whisky world, with a rich legacy, dedication to quality, and commitment to both tradition and innovation.
