Bladnoch 10 Year

There aren’t many lowland distilleries that remain operational, and apart from the Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie, I don’t know many other lowland single malts. The legendary Rosebank and St. Magdalene are unfortunately not coming back any time soon, but this Bladnoch appears to have survived the turmoil. Established in 1817, Bladnoch is the southernmost distillery in Scotland, and it has changed its owners many times, with the most recent production restart in 2017. In 2019 the distillery was joined by Nick Savage who was a master distiller for William Grant & Sons (Glenfiddich, Balvenie, etc) and Macallan, and his experience would be instrumental in bringing this malt to recognition. The color of this dram is pale straw, kind of what you would expect from the 10-year-old whisky matured in bourbon casks. But neither the box, nor the bottle says anything about natural color. Viscosity is high, typical for the higher ABV drams, and this one is presented at a very respectful 46.7%. It’s non-chill-filtered, which is always a good sign of malt aimed at enthusiasts rather than an average consumer. The nose is floral, with a touch of sulphur or rubber (like the new tire smell). It’s not off-putting, but is definitely there. Some spicy notes, with black pepper dominating, complimented with faint vanilla. The palate is delicate, with notes of honey, clove, caramel, and more pepper. Finish is medium length, somewhat bitter with vanilla and oak notes, and ending with a touch of citrus. So far nothing dramatic, but a well-balanced dram. Water opens it up, and the character becomes more floral. I first added just a few drops, but then ended up adding half a teaspoon. I think it benefits from water quite a bit. By the way, I do see the mist, which means it’s honestly non-filtered. The finish weirdly gains some sunflower seed notes, and the sulphur note has now almost completely disappeared. The palate gains some raisins, banana, and hay notes and becomes more complex and sweet. Finish loses the bitterness and becomes long and very pleasant. Overall, this is a solid dram. Well-built and presented, but requires water to get the most out of it. It’s still not extraordinary complex, but this being a lowland malt, I think it has the typical character, and is very enjoyable for the $50 I paid for it.

Nose - Lightly grassy vanilla, vanilla frosting, lemon yogurt, lemon curd, very floral Taste - Lightly spicy/warm, grassy vanilla frosting sweet, lemon curd/zest, coconut, glaze on donuts Finish - Lingering grassy vanilla sweet, gentle warmth, creamy mouthfeel like from a coconut cream, light ginger spice, lemon curd Score - 88/100 Final Thoughts - This was quite an interesting one. It had a very grassy, floral, vanilla frosting vibe to it throughout which I think would be a good intro to someone who doesn't necessarily like whisky, but loves desserts. I think this might hold up well in a highball as a good intro drink as it's nice & subtle, but flavorful at the same time. I can definitely see how this might be polarizing to some as the grassy aspect is very prominent, but I quite enjoy it. There's this light lemon zest/curd aspect throughout that gets a bit artificial, but I don't mind it too much. I don't think this is something I'd drink everyday, but it's very spring/summery and has nice bright/refreshing notes to it. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - If it was priced around $40 USD

Nose: Initially floral, nutty and sweet (brown sugar, dates) with a very distinct oak character. Letting the whisky breathe a bit in the glass reveals more of the sweet character, with caramel and fruity (white grape, apple) notes coming through. Water adds more of the sweet notes (floral, brown sugar, caramel, grape) character while maintaining the strong oak note. It almost feels like you're sticking your nose straight into the barrel. Taste: Earthy. Malted barley, hay, grass and oak are dominant followed by a soft spice. On the back end, the floral and sweet notes come through (particularly caramel, green apple). Water brings more oak, caramel, and apple notes coming through. Finish: A hit of spice which rolls off gently into malt and oak character. The oak lingers for a long while. Minor alcohol burn. Excellent expression of a single malt for a great price (bumped up the score +0.25). The young age is not apparent with strong oak notes coming through on the nose and palate. Nose is fantastic and the taste makes for an easy to enjoy drink.

Neat in a Glendale. Rested for about 10m before first sip. Overall I really like this flavor profile. It's like an unpeated Islay had an illegitimate child with a Campbeltown. Funk and a little smoke (though I'm not sure this is even peated) on the palate; sour, vomit funk on the nose. You can feel that non-chill filter, with a rich subtle sweetness throughout. Good deal for a 10y at under $50. It was just a little bit muted in all of its notes, otherwise I'd give it a higher score. I do think this one will open up as the bottle goes, so I may change the rating. Nose: Upfront you get a sourness that's almost vomit like, which reminds me of Cylnelish. Some astringency comes through later on as well. Hints of tropical fruits. Palate: Front palate felt like nothing on the first sip, but becomes like a damp cloth like, rubbery, and waxy funk. Mid-palate is oak and ginger spice with a hint of smoke on the backend. Subtle sweetness throughout. Finish: Oak and light smoke with candle wax coming through again. Medium length.

Nose: ⠀ ⠀ Wet hay, Lemon peel, Citrus, Fresh, Clean malt, Slight ethenol bite, Green tea⠀ ⠀ *** with three Teaspoons of water Added***⠀ ⠀ Palate: ⠀ Sweet soft vanilla, malt Sugars, very fresh lemon peel citrus and grassy elements, it is edgy but clean with only a slight spike note. I will say, I feel this is very malt forward and distillate focused. The cask feels present but not overpowering. Slightly sour but not unwelcome to balance off the initial sweetness. ⠀ ⠀ Finish: ⠀ Light oak tannin but very good all spice and nutmeg come up. Lemon peel comes back as well. A lingering sweet oak and sugars arrive. I get almost a quick Burst of cotton candy.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Conclusion:⠀ A very enjoyable dram. It has no tricks and it doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It is honest and malt forward using the casks I feel as a welcome companion to enhance not overbear. I will say it does improve with some time open. I highly suggest this to anyone who may come across it. Cheers🥃

This aromatic Scotch does a fantastic job at rekindling my memories of walking into a pastry shop - or even a movie theatre. Right off the nose, there's a profound scent of butter, butterscotch, baked custards, and pudding. These smells diminish slightly on the palate as spices are introduced, but the long finish rounds out into a delicious, fruity, and mellow profile (I was able to pick up on fresh Ambrosia apples and Jasmine tea). My praises go out to Bladnoch for producing this leggy, full-bodied Lowland Scotch. I was initially skeptical about the youngish 10 year age statement, but they knocked it out of the park! NOSE: Butter, caramel custard, butterscotch, vanilla pudding, buttered popcorn, barley, cinnamon apples PALATE: Honey, wood spice, smoke, apples, blueberries FINISH: Grass, melted butter, wheat germ, Ambrosia apples, Jasmine tea Rating: 90/100 Grade: A- Excellent - want to buy a case.