Bladnoch Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Bladnoch single malt Scotch whisky is a distinctive Lowland malt with a history stretching back over two centuries. Founded in 1817 by brothers John and Thomas McClelland, Bladnoch sits on the banks of the River Bladnoch in Wigtownshire, making it Scotland’s most southerly distillery. Its location and style have long set it apart, offering a lighter, floral, and often citrus-led profile that typifies the best of the Lowland tradition.

The distillery has endured a colourful history of ownership changes, mothballing, and revival. After a long period of limited activity, Bladnoch was purchased in 2015 by Australian entrepreneur David Prior, who invested heavily in refurbishment, modernising facilities while preserving traditional production methods. This renaissance has seen Bladnoch re-establish itself as a serious player in the single malt market, releasing a refreshed core range and high-quality limited editions.

Bladnoch’s spirit is made from Scottish barley and soft water drawn from the River Bladnoch, producing a delicate distillate through long fermentation times and copper pot still distillation. The distillery’s style is typically light, grassy, and floral, often showing lemon zest, fresh-cut hay, and subtle honey. This approachable profile makes it a natural introduction to single malt for those new to Scotch, while the complexity found in older and cask-strength releases satisfies more experienced drinkers.

Maturation at Bladnoch includes a variety of cask types. Traditional American oak ex-bourbon barrels contribute vanilla sweetness and creamy textures, while Spanish oak sherry casks add richer layers of dried fruit, spice, and depth. In recent years, the distillery has also experimented with cask finishes, including port, red wine, and even exotic wood maturations, adding further dimensions to its range.

The current lineup includes accessible yet characterful bottlings such as Samsara (matured in a combination of bourbon and Californian red wine casks), the elegant Adela (sherry cask-matured), and Vinaya (celebrating tradition with a bourbon/sherry cask combination). Limited editions, often bottled at cask strength and without chill filtration, provide an unfiltered view of the distillery’s character. Older expressions, 17, 19, or 25 years old, reveal the refined elegance that extended Lowland maturation can achieve.

Bladnoch also has the distinction of being one of the few remaining Lowland distilleries producing single malt on a significant scale. While many of its regional contemporaries closed in the late 20th century, Bladnoch’s revival ensures that this historic style continues to thrive. The distillery’s visitor centre has become a destination for whisky enthusiasts travelling to Scotland’s southwest, offering tastings and tours that bring its history and production to life.

Our Bladnoch Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection features both current distillery bottlings and rare independent releases, offering everything from approachable everyday drams to unique collector’s pieces. Whether you’re exploring the lighter side of Scotch for the first time or seeking a refined Lowland malt to add to your collection, Bladnoch delivers a combination of history, craftsmanship, and character that stands apart in the modern whisky landscape.