Bladnoch distillery was liquidated in 2014 after being revived by Raymond Armstrong in 2000. It was then bought by Australian entrepreneur David Prior who had been running a yoghurt business. Production is now overseen by Ian MacMillan and should be restarted this year.
In late 2016 Bladnoch launched a new core range with three expressions:
- Bladnoch Samsara (no age statement)
- Bladnoch Adela, 15 years old
- Bladnoch Talia, 25 years old
The range was first launched in Australia and has recently arrived in Europe. The packaging already makes clear that Prior has a more professional take on things than Armstrong’s boy scout profile.
I decided to go for Bladnoch Adela which is matured in ex-Oloroso sherry butts, from both American and Spanish oak, some of which first-fill butts.
Bladnoch 15 yo ‘Adela’
(46,7%, OB +/- 2016)
Bladnoch 15 yo ‘Adela’Nose: a fairly aromatic and light-headed style. Soaked raisins, baked pears and honey. Walnuts and a little mint in the background. Flower petals and rosemary. Apricots. Too bad it also comes with a sulphury edge.
Mouth: less classic now. Still some floral, almost soapy notes, alongside (straw)berries and pink grapefruit. Light hints of chocolate, as well as some rose pepper and a fair dose of bitter notes (clove, oak juice). Some active oak as well.
Finish: medium long, peppery,
This new Bladnoch is certainly not without charm. The aromatic Oloroso notes are nice, but they are disturbed by sulphury notes, oak spices and bitterness. A mixed bag. Around € 95 from Master of Malt, up to € 120 in the rest of Europe.
Score: 78/100