Bladnoch, a legendary name in the Lowlands whisky scene and Scotland’s oldest privately-owned distillery, is making waves again. Now under Australian ownership, the distillery has just launched two new aged single malts — the Bladnoch 8 Year Old and 16 Year Old — that are already capturing the attention of whisky lovers worldwide.
Both whiskies pay homage to tradition while embracing fresh innovation, highlighting the distillery’s 208-year heritage. Master Distiller Dr Nick Savage has been at the helm, guiding these new expressions that promise to add a vibrant chapter to Bladnoch’s long story.
Fresh and Fruity: The Bladnoch 8 Year Old
The 8 Year Old is a bold and lively dram, aged in two types of American oak red wine casks, bottled at 46.7% ABV with a natural colour that whisky aficionados will appreciate.
Right from the first sniff, you get a bright nose bursting with strawberries and herbal pinecones. The palate reveals layers of strawberry jam, polished oak, and a pinch of nutmeg — a mix that keeps you coming back for another sip. It finishes warm and sweet, smooth enough to enjoy neat but complex enough to impress.
This whisky feels like a fresh breeze rolling over the Lowlands — youthful but with character and charm.
Rich and Complex: The Bladnoch 16 Year Old
If the 8 Year Old is a fresh burst of fruit, the 16 Year Old is a deep dive into rich, mature flavours. Exclusively matured in oloroso sherry casks, it’s also bottled at 46.7% ABV, delivering a more indulgent experience.
Aroma-wise, expect rich raisins, sultanas, and zesty orange peel. The palate is where it really shines with dried fruits, fruit cake, sweet cinnamon, and a hint of dark chocolate weaving together beautifully. The mouthfeel is luxurious, and the finish lingers long and satisfying — perfect for those slower, contemplative moments.
This whisky is a testament to time and patience, showing off the craftsmanship that’s kept Bladnoch’s name alive for over two centuries.
Tradition Meets Modern Leadership
What’s especially exciting is the blend of old and new behind these releases. David Prior, the Australian entrepreneur who took over the distillery, has invested heavily in modernising Bladnoch while preserving its unique heritage — including the iconic bluestone warehouses that have sheltered the whisky for generations.
Under his leadership and Dr Savage’s expertise, Bladnoch is carving out a new chapter, balancing respect for history with a push into fresh territories.
Why These Whiskies Matter Now
For collectors and newcomers alike, these two releases offer something rare: authentic, high-quality whisky with stories to tell. Bladnoch’s reinvention under new ownership shows how tradition and innovation can mix well, just like the casks these whiskies mature in.
Here’s a quick glance at their profiles:
| Whisky | Age | Cask Type | ABV | Key Flavours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bladnoch 8 Year | 8 | American oak red wine casks | 46.7% | Strawberries, herbal pinecones, oak, nutmeg |
| Bladnoch 16 Year | 16 | Oloroso sherry casks | 46.7% | Raisins, sultanas, orange peel, dark chocolate |
Both expressions showcase what Bladnoch has been about for over 200 years — rich flavours, care in crafting, and a bold character that stands out in Scotland’s competitive whisky market.
