Bladnoch
SCOTCH SINGLE MALT WHISKIES > B
BLADNOCH
Aged 17 years
43 %
VINTAGE
DUN BHEAGAN
SINGLE MALT COLLECTION
Distilled 1983
Bottled in 2001
William Maxwell & Co, Ltd.
Dun Bheagan, home to Clan Macleod for over 700 years, has many a legend. The castle over¬looking Dunvegan Loch, is home to a renowed treasure, the Fairy Flag. A magical flag used by the clan in times of war that is said to have the power, when invoked, to preserve the Clan three times from disaster. So far, the poewers have only been invoked twice.
The Isle of Skye, like most of the Highlands and Islands, produced the 'Uisge Beatha', Water of Life.
Local farmers used to make their whisky spirit from small stills hidden within peat sheds and stone byres, well disquised from the insidious Crown Excisemen. The local clans and Gaelic speaking communities of the Isle of Skye have always been proud and independent people who long lived autonomously outwith the rules and discriminate taxes imposed by the Crown of Scotland and t
he Union.
The same spirit and character can be found in the Dun Bheagan collection of Single Malt Whiskies.
The Dun Bheagan Collection of Single Malts is a fine selection of accaimed regional and single vintage malts of Scotland, matured in traditional oak casks at the distillery and bottled in the old fashioned way without chill - filtration for extra natural taste and smoothness.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: white fruits, green grapes, banana's, grassy, earthy, freesia. Palate: light, sweet, dry, mint. Finish: honey.
BLADNOCH
13 years old
43 %
VINTAGE 1988
43 %
VINTAGE 1988
Distilled on 23rd November 1988
Bottled on 14th June 2002
Cask Nos. 42028 - 30
Natural Colour
714 bottles
Genummerde flessen
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh
BLADNOCH
11 years old
43%
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
Distilled 17/7/91
Bottled 11/9/2002
Cask no. 4011
Bourbon Barrel
Genummerde flessen
The Ultimate Whisky Company, N.L.
BLADNOCH
12 years old
56,4%
GORDON & MACPHAIL RESERVE
Distilled 1991
56,4%
GORDON & MACPHAIL RESERVE
Distilled 1991
Cask No. 3143
Bottled 2003
Limited Edition
229 bottles
Proprietors: Bladnoch Distillery Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin.
BLADNOCH
8 years old
40 %
40 %
Bladnoch Distillery Ltd,
(old Bottling)
Wigtownshire
BLADNOCH
13 years old
45,7 %
Distilled September 1964
45,7 %
Distilled September 1964
Bottled September 1977
William Cadenhead,
18 Golden Square, Aberdeen
BLADNOCH
10 years old
43 %
FLORA & FAUNA
Distilled 1982
Bottled 1992
Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch,
Wigtownshire
The Broad Leaved Helleborine, a rare species of wild orchid, can be found growing in the ancient oak woodland behind the Bladnoch distillery. The most southerly in Scotland, founded in the early 1800's, the distillery stands by the River Bladnoch near Wigtown. It produces a distinctive Lowland single Malt Whisky, delicate and fruity with a lemony aroma and taste.
BLADNOCH
9 years old
60,2 %
Distilled November 1983
60,2 %
Distilled November 1983
Society Single Malt Code 50.2
Bottled May 1993
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults Leith, Edinburgh.
Bleek van kleur. Pittig in de neus als een Grappa. Licht van body. Heel in¬dringend van smaak maar na toevoeging van wat water milder. Met specerijen, hooi, gember en anijs. Lange afdronk
BLADNOCH
19 years old
56,2 %
SILENT STILLS
Distilled 30.6.80
Bottled 31.1.00 Cask No. 89/591/31
262 bottles
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh
BLADNOCH
9 years old
58,7 %
Society Single Cask Code 50.5
Distilled October 1984
Bottled May 1995
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults,
Leith, Edinburgh.
Society Single Cask Code 50.5
Distilled October 1984
Bottled May 1995
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults,
Leith, Edinburgh.
Bleek van kleur. In de neus gras. Licht van body. Heel zuiver van smaak met gras, gember. Lichte afdronk. Lang en heel indringend.
BLADNOCH
10 years old
43%
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 18.10.84
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 18.10.84
Bottled 7.95
312 Bottles
Cask No. 20299
Van Wees, Amersfoort
BLADNOCH
10 years old
43 %
VINTAGE 1984
43 %
VINTAGE 1984
Distilled 18.10.84
Bottled 6.95
Cask No. 20296-98
650 bottles
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh.
BLADNOCH
16 years old
43 %
Distilled 30.6.80
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Bottled 1.97
Cask No. 89/591/40
440 bottles
Van Wees, Amersfoort
BLADNOCH
10 years old
43%
Distilled 17/7/91
THE ULTIMATE INGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Bottled 15/1/2002
Cask no. 4009
Bourbon Barrel
Genummerde flessen
The Ultimate Whisky Company. N.L.
BLADNOCH
12 years old
40%
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Distilled 1987
40%
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Distilled 1987
Bottled 1999
Proprietors: Bladnoch Distillery Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
BLADNOCH
13 years old
40%
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Distilled 1988
40%
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Distilled 1988
Bottled 2001
Proprietors: Bladnoch Distillery Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
BLADNOCH
23 years old
53,6 %
RARE MALTS SELECTION
53,6 %
RARE MALTS SELECTION
Natural Cask Strenght
Distilled 1977
Bottled October 2001Limited Edition
Genummerde flessen
Scottish Malt Distillers, Elgin.The Last of The Solways
The Story of Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtownshire.
Like a hundred fellow farmer-distillers, brothers John and Thomas McClelland of Bladnoch licensed their distillery (originally established in 1817) in 1825 after the repeal of laws prohibiting the use of small stills in the Lowlands. Following a conventional pattern, they erected buildings around a central courtyard; a for¬mat that survives until this day.
These buildings served until 1878, when major recontruction took place - the dis-tillery now covering two acres of land. Visiting Bladnoch in 1887, Alfred Barnard found 'the Still House, the oldest part of the establishment, containing three Old Pot Stills, consisting of a Wash Still, 13.000 gallons, and two Low-wines stills, each of 400 gallons content'.
Thomas's son Charles McClelland continued the family's ownership into whisky boom years, olthough like most they were forced to close during the First World War.
The distillery closed again in 1938, apparently for good, ending the family's long involvement.
In 1956, surprisingly, the premises were bought, refurbished and re-opened. Any hopes of a long future were gradually dashed, however, by four more changes of ownership culminating in a further silent period that began in 1993.
This old gold 23 year old is unusually mature for a Lowland malt. Athough still typical in its light, smooth body, fruity palate and crisp appetising finish, its more intense, cask-strenght character also shines through.
'A light, smooth body and honeyed citrus fruit flavours. An unusually mature bott-ling of this rare Lowland malt, which finishes firm and dry'.
BLADNOCH
11 years old
56,2 %
56,2 %
SINGLE CASK
SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Date distilled Mar 92
Date bottled Oct 03Society Cask code 50.13
Outturn 291 BottlesThe Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
'A changeling'
Our most southern distillery was terminally closed the year this cask was filed, then it was sold to a Belfast builder who realised how important it was to the local comminity of Wigtown and resumed operations.
This bottling is from a refill hogshead and is pale gold in colour
.
The first nose is estery and Speyside - like aceton, nail varnish remover, artificial fruit essence (particularly bana¬na), the bags of dried bananas. Water changes it substantially, bring up curious mechanical scents - Hornby Double 0 trains, light oil, bakelite, electrical sparks - which fade, except for the oil.
The flavour is sweet, drying rapidly, but what makes this whisky unusual is the distinct taste of dried peat, bringing to mind beaches (iodine, dried seaweed) and empty kilns.).
BLADNOCH
14 years old
53,6 %
AUTHENTIC COLLECTION
Cask Strenght
Distilled 1989
Wood Type: Bourbon Barrel
Bottled July 2003
No. of Bottles: 210
Wm. Cadenhead Limited,
Campbeltown, Argyll
Wm. Cadenhead bottles all products as single cask. To ensure all the natural character and colour of the product we do not chill filter or add caramel.
Wm. Cadenhead is an independent bottler not connected with the distiller.
BLADNOCH
13 years old
43 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
Vintage 1990
43 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
Vintage 1990
Distilled on 8th March 1990
Matured in bourbon barrels
Cask Nos: 1078, 79 + 81
Bottled on 29th October 2003
837 Bottles
Genummerde flessen
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh
BLADNOCH
13 years old
40 %
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
40 %
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Lowland
Distilled 1991
Bottled 2004Proprietors: Bladnoch Distillery Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
BLADNOCH
14 years old
40 %
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
LowlandDistilled 1989
Bottled 2003Proprietors: Bladnoch Distillery Ltd
Gordon & Macphail, Elgin
BLADNOCH
Aged 13 years
40 %
40 %
Single Lowland Malt
Bottled: 2004
Bladnoch Distillery
BLADNOCH
11 years old
60 %
SINGLE CASK
60 %
SINGLE CASK
SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Distilled: 1993
Bottled: 2004Society Cask code 50.16
Outturn 309 BottlesThe Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
'Peroxide blond with good body'
Uitgebracht voorjaar 2008:
Aged 15 years
55 %
55 %
Single Lowland Malt
The Most Southerly Distillery in Scotland
BLACK FACED SHEEP :
Artist - Jan Ferguson
Distilled & Bottled in Scotland for
Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Wigtownshire
Eerste bottelingen voorjaar 2008 “nieuwe” Bladnoch:
BLADNOCH
Aged 15 years
55 %
55 %
Single Lowland Malt
SHERRY CASK MATURED
The Most Southerly Distillery in Scotland
BLACK FACED SHEEP:
Artist - Jan FergusonDistilled 7 Bottled in Scotland for
Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Wigtownshire
Eerste bottelingen voorjaar 2008 "nieuwe" Bladnoch:
BLADNOCH
Aged 6 years
57,4 %
57,4 %
Spirit of the Lowlands
BOURBON MATURED
Non Chill FilteredDistilled and Bottled in Scotland
Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown
BLADNOCH
Aged 6 years
58,1 %
58,1 %
Spirit of he Lowlands
LIGHTLY PEATED
Non Chill FilteredDistilled and Bottled in Scotland
Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown
BLADNOCH
Aged in oak 15 years
56,2 %
56,2 %
SINGLE CASK SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Date Distilled Oct. 92
Date Bottled Feb 08Cask type Refill Hoghshead
Society Cask No. 50.31
Outturn 300 BottlesThe Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Gentle aperitif"
The Panel felt this sample (from the Wigtownshire distillery established in 1817) is we think is typical for the make. The unreduced nose has grassy and herbal notes but is also quite sweet
with lemon, vanilla and lime. Stewed fruits creep in with water along with soap and a little
sulphur. The palate is intense, lively and sprizy in the mouth, minty fresh with salt and a butter note. Pencil shavings emerge with water and there is watermelon in the aftertaste.
A gentle aperitif style of whisky to watch the world go by.
BLADNOCH
aged 7 years
57,8 %
LIGHTLY PEATED
Distilled 2nd December 2001
57,8 %
LIGHTLY PEATED
Distilled 2nd December 2001
Barrel No 333
Bottled 9th April 2009
Distilled and Bottled in Scotland
Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown
BLADNOCH
17 years old
56,1 %
56,1 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Distilled Oct 1993
Cask type: Refill Hogshead / Ex Bourbon1 of only 298 bottles
Society Single Cask 50.39
The Scotch Single Malt Whisly Society, The Vaults,Leith, Edinburgh
Scrumtious cockles
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been passed
under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for release as a Society
bottling. Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members are selected, true to our motto:” To leave no nose upturned”
The nose is heady with light perfume, floral and herbal notes, coconut, lemon and cereal. Water turns I to spicy sweets and eventually Germolene. The palate is scrumptiously sweet
and creamy with a touch of citrus and Berwick cockles, cinnamon surfaces in the finish
The nose was perfumed – “Heady, in a light way”someone said, with subtle hints of spring
flowers, tarragon, strawberry, vanilla, coconut and lemon; also cereal notes (cornflake, boxes,
fruit ‘n fibre with yoghurt). The unreduced palate was crumptiously sweet and creamy but slight citric bitterness and white pepper reminded the Whisky – manager of hot toddy.
The reduced nose found spicy sweets, cardboard and marzipan and much later Germolene
The reduced palate suggested the sweet chalkiness of Berwick Cockles or lemon bonbons
and we surpected cinnamon or aniseed in the finish
The distillery is near a place famous for its book festival
BLADNOCH
46 %
DISTILLER's CHOICE
Lowland Single Malt Scotch WhiskyDISTILLER's CHOICE
The Most Southerly Distillery in Scotland
Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown
BLADNOCH
Aged 19 years
46 %
46 %
Single Lowland Malt
The Most Southerly Distillery in Scotland
Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown
BLADNOCH
Aged 20 years
52,4 %
THE SPIRIT OF THE LOWLANDS
52,4 %
THE SPIRIT OF THE LOWLANDS
Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled 24th Jan 1990
Hogshead no. 136
Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown
BLADNOCH
Aged 16 years old
43 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
43 %
SIGNATORY VINTAGE
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
LOWLAND
Distilled on: 08.03.1993
Matured in: HogsheadCask Nos: 754 + 755
Bottled on: 07.12.2009
834 Numbered bottles
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co,
Ltd, Pitlochry.
BLADNOCH
Aged 8 years
46 %
SINGLE LOWLAND MALT
46 %
SINGLE LOWLAND MALT
The Most Southerly Distillery in Scotland
Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Wigtownshire
BLADNOCH
Ages 24 years
59.5 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date distilled 15th May 1990
Cask Type: Refill Barrel
Society Single Cask Code: 50.66
Outturn: One of only 122 BottlesThe Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh.
Retro Sweet Hamper
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.
Straight out of a retro sweet maper; strawberry foam mushroom, green apple chewing
gum and pink and white sugar mice. The taste neat like a Ferrero Rocher chocolate
dipped in sweet chilli sauce. Water releases sweet popcorn and candied angelica.
We all had images of aromas from a variety of sweeties all long gone by. Green apple
chewing gum, strawberry foam mushrooms, pinkn and white sugar mice, fruit pastilles
ice lollies as well as fig roll biscuits.
The taste neat was lively, hot and spicy but sweet at the same time like sour plum brown butter upside down cake or a Ferrero Rocher chocolate dipped in sweet chilli sauce.
Water released initially freshly painted drain pipes soon transformed into sweet popcorn,
wine gums and sweet grape juice and the flavours of Jaffa cake, candied angelica with
a refreshing Bitter Lemon finish.
BLADNOCH
Age 25 years
56.2 %
SCOTCH SINGLE MALT WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled: 26th January 1990
Cask Type: Refill Barrel / ex Bourbon
Outturn: One of Only 138 Bottles
Society Single Cask: Code: 5 0 . 6 7
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
Juicy, Oak & Vanilla
Contrapuntal elegance
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.
The sweet nose ( dates , honeycombs, and salted caramel) also fas clean laundry and
perfumes – imagine fragrant soapes next to an ice – cream parlour. On the palate,
that sweetness (vanilla, waffles, toffee) is counterpointed by fizzy pear sorbet and
by spicy leather and oak.
Unmistakable sweetness on the nose – sticky dates, honeycomb, strawberry milk – shake
and salted caramel – but other aromas added to the complexxity and sophistication –
we passed a housekeeping trolley in a hotel lobby (perfumed soaps, fresh laundry,
cleaning stuff and confectionery) on our way to the spa.
The palate was amazing – caramel, vanilla, rich toffee, Crunchie bars and waffles, but with
sharp fizzy pear sorbet and popping candy as one counterpoint and mouth – drawing
toasted oak and leather as another.
The rduced nose was indulgent and rewarding – like standing between an Arran Aromatics shop and an ice – cream parlour.
The palate – elegant, tasty and complex.
BLADNOCH
25 years
60.2 %
SOCIETY SINGLE CASK
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled: 18th Jan 1990
Cask Type: Refill Barrel / ex Bourbon
One of Only 168 Bottles
Society Single Cask: Code: 5 0 . 7 8
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
Ready.. steady…bake!
We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-
lease as a Society bottling.
Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.
Rosy checked bakers with warm brioche buns studded with ginger and glossily iced buns
topped with marron glace. Steaming mugs of mead laced with orange zest and nougat
with crushed hazelnuts. Toasted dark rye bread with thick cut grapefruit marmalade.
The kitchen windows steamed up with the heady aromas seeping from the hot ovens.
Rosy cheeked bakers toiled over trays of warm brioche buns studded with the ginge
and nutmeg and glossily iced buns decorated with marron glace and crystalised orange.
The bakers downed their tools and fortified themselves with mugs of mead laced with
orange zest and traces of chilli. They niebbled at soft, sweet nougat with crushed
hazelnuts while reading glossy expensive magazines. Back to work! They drew hot
loaves from the ovens: dark rye bread and toasted spelt rolls, ready to be enjoyed
with thick cut grapefruit marmalade.
Bladnoch traded as T & A McClelland Ltd. from 1911 - 1937.
Extracts from the Minute Books of Wm Dunville & Co. Ltd, owners of Bladnoch Distillery 1911 - 1937Details provided by kind permission of:
The Public Records Office
Northern Ireland
Balmoral Avenue
Belfast
Record Ref No. D2132
Wm. Dunville & Co. Ltd. Directors Minute Book No.
At a meeting of Wm Dunville & Co. Ltd held on Tuesday 10th October 1911
"The action of the Managing Director in entering into the purchase and financing of T & A McClelland Ltd was approved."
Wm Dunville & Co. Ltd. of Royal Irish Distilleries Belfast.
Dunville & Co. Ltd Wine & Spirit Merchants. of 25 Arthur Street Belfast.
Previous shareholders were Thomas McClelland, St. Annes Mount Aigburth Liverpool whose share went to Dunville & Co. and Charles McClelland, Fordbank House Bladnoch whose share went to Wm Dunville & Co. Ltd.
Company directors of T & A McClelland Ltd. Henry Cooke Craig "Cairndunna", Belmont Church Road, Belfast. Hugh Littlewood Garrett, St Valentines, Holywood. Co. Down. John Claude Brownrigg 25, Arthur Street. Belfast.
Resolved that the following report be presented to the shareholders of the Company (Dunvilles) Your directors beg to present Statement of the Company's Accounts.
"Messer's Dunville & Co. Ltd. (Wine & Spirit Merchants) complain that they experience a difficulty in selling Scotch whisky as their customers know they have not a distillery in Scotland. As your company (Wm Dunville & Co. Ltd. Distillers) cannot supply this from the Royal Irish Distilleries they have started a Limited Company under the name of T & A McClelland Ltd. which has bought a distillery belonging to T & A McClelland & Co. Your firm holds nearly all the shares in T & A McClelland Ltd. This will enable us to supply the want experienced by Dunville & Co. Ltd. The Bladnoch Distillery itself has not been worked for about 6 years. It was in the McClelland family since 1818 and must be one of the oldest in Scotland. The main buildings and warehouses are good and substantial but the plant was obsolete and is being entirely renewed partly by new and partly by purchase of plant from Distilleries in the Highlands that have failed and it is expected to be ready to start early in the new year. It is impossible in the present rather chaotic state the place is in, to arrive at any estimate as to what the cost of the new plant will be but the amount paid to McClelland was £1200 subject to a rent of £10 per annum and a further rent of £15 per annum for water rights which can be dropped at any time."
The company accounts show considerable expenditure on plant and equipment acquired both in Scotland, Belfast and Dublin and refer to the acquisition of a mash tun and weigh bridge in March 1912 from Bluromach Distillery (details of location of this distillery if known would be appreciated).
Company Accounts include details of:
Oil, Tallows & Grease account
Rent & Rates Account
Salaries
Insurance
Horse keeping account
Yeast Account
Coal & Peat Account
Malt Cummins Account
Barley Account
whisky & Feints Account
At a meeting of the directors of Wm. Dunville & Co. Ltd. 22nd October 1912
"With regard to the item of £10755.5s.4d in balance sheet representing Bladnoch Distillery T & A McClelland Ltd. The expenditure required is now practically completed with the exception of an Excise Office and small warehouse which have been delayed by the board of Customs & Excise. The distillery worked for a few weeks to test everything and it was found to work satisfactorily. Work will be resumed for the winter at the beginning of next month."
At a directors meeting held on the 2nd June 1916 25 Arthur Street Belfast
There were present H.C.Craig (chairman) H. Garrett and J.C.Brownrigg. Your directors beg to present Balance Sheet & Profit and Loss Account. From these you will see that the profits for the year amount to £939.4s.1d.
"Owing to the war and difficulties of labour the upkeep of the place has fallen behind and as soon as things return to normal further sums will be required for repairs to roofs etc. those on the warehouses and mash house being in a bad state."
21st May 1917
"Your Directors beg to present Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account......It was reported that the seal of the company had been affixed on 10th July 1916 to Excise removal Bond for transfer of whisky from Bladnoch to Belfast and on 4th August 1916 to Excise removal Bond for another shipment from Bladnoch to Belfast. "It has been impossible owing to the war to keep the place in the state of efficiency your directors would like: nothing was done to the mash house and warehouse roofs during the past year and the cart shed roof fell in and it was decided to rebuild this and use it as a stable and cart shed combined - this work is in progress. The old stable with some alterations will be available as coopers and cask store."
14th May 1918
"Your directors beg to present Balance Sheet & Profit and Loss Account......From these you will see the years trading resulted in a loss of £367.14s.6d. Owing to the continuance of the Order under the Defence of the Realm Act prohibiting distilling. Owing to the stoppage we appealed against our valuation and got it reduced."
22nd May 1919
"Your Directors beg to present Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account ......From this you will see the years trading resulted in a loss of £326.1s.6d. as the prohibition of distilling was raised too late to allow of many weeks working and it was thought that the old custom of selling the spirits ex store should be abandoned for the present and a stock accumulated. This means for about three years there is not much chance of profit. Practically nothing in way of repairs was done during the year. Great difficulty was found in starting the distillery from want not so much of men as want of houses for them to live in. The land lord the Earl of Galloway offering part of his estate for sale the opportunity was taken to purchase the farm of Cotland adjoining the distillery with the double object of getting ground for labourers cottages and building warehouses and protecting our interest in the lade or mill race which might have been prejudiced if the farm was bought by an outsider. £5321.14s.8d was paid for the farm and at the same time we offered to buy the head rent of the distillery at twenty years purchase which was acceptable the cost being £516.11s.8d."
28th May 1920
"Your Directors beg to present Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account for the year ending April 30th 1920......From this you will observe that the years trading resulted in a loss of £675.7s.5d. The cause of this is the increased costs of everything but chiefly in wages. Owing to the war the lade has had little or no attention paid to it. It was thoroughly cleaned out and would have cost a good deal more except for the fact that the Cooperative society sent men to assist free of cost in order to get water for their cooling process more quickly. A second sluice gate was put in which has been extremely useful, as the Steam Engine held in reserve was not so often called on . Great complaints were made by the manager of the difficulty of getting men owing to the shortage of houses. To remedy this we rented a house in Wigtown and purchased outright 4 small cottages in Bladnoch at a cost of £407.0s.0d These unfortunately turned out not to be of much assistance as tenants refused to leave from three of them and your directors hesitated to put the law in force and put them out as they could get no fresh houses and two of the tenants had been in possession for 20 - 30 years. The cottages though small will in time be of assistance As early in the war all the whisky was sold there is only new whisky in the warehouses. This cannot be used till it is 3 years old and your Directors think it the best policy to hold on to it".
April 1921
Sales 3053.6 gallons @.9s.6d £ 1450. 9s.1d Stock whisky £33757.19s. 6d Feints £ 31. 3s. 0d April 1922 Sales 15750.2 gallons £ 7174.7s.5d Stock whisky £37108.7s.3d26th May 1923
Sales 54702.39 gallons Stock whisky £32556.15s.9d Feints £ 32.6s.0d "Your Directors beg to present Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account for the year ending 30th April 1923...
...You will see years trading resulted in a profit of £2734.10s.8d. As alluded to in last report all the whisky was removed from the large warehouse and roof made good the cost of this about £1000.0s.0d.The mash roof is in very bad condition and will require to be repaired before the place is started again. The investment in Cotland Farm £5359.4s.8d has been a disastrous one owing to our own ignorance of Scotch Land Laws instead of returning 5% it only returned about 1%."
AGM 28th May 1924 for year ended 30/4/24
Sales £30.17s.4d (Dunvilles not buying ) Stock whisky £32527.17s.2d Feints £32.6s.0d
"Your Directors beg to present Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account...
...From this you will see that the years trading resulted in a loss of £1818.3s.3d. As the distillery did not work during the year and Dunville & Co. Ltd did not require any of the stock of whisky a loss was expected.In Winter there is a fair supply of water running to waste and the use of this by gravity would save a good deal of pumping and so save coal. During autumn there were heavy floods there being 18" to 2 ' feet in the warehouses. This is the third time this has happened since we took it over. Mr Christie (manager) reported that there was some discussion as to (local authority) holding us liable the water floods the road and back of the village."
AGM 3rd May 1925 for year ended 30th April 1925
Sales whisky 55855.7 gallons £14416.0s.11d Feints 609.1 gallons £418.15s.1d Stock whisky £31837.7s.9d Feints £48.15s.0d
"Your Directors beg to present Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account...
...The distillery was at work during the season but price allowed by Dunville & Co. Ltd. and the heavy repairs and high price of grain precluded any idea of profit. The mash house roof became so dangerous that it had to be entirely renewed at a cost of about £594.0s.0d and the old steam engine was replaced by a more powerful and up to date oil engine at a cost of £663. The fermentation was rather unsteady and it is questionable if new wash backs should not be put in but owing to the large water tank forming the roof of the Tun Room which always keeps it in a state of cold and wet it is doubtful if Iron Backs would do. Wooden ones would not last long."
AGM 4th June 1926 for year end April 1926
31st May 1928
"Your directors beg to present Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account for years trading ended 30/4/1928...(No distilling took place during this year)
...There was no special outlay other than that caused by storm to roofs but there is always a heavy depreciation going on in a Silent Distillery, which is impossible to stop especially in timber vessels etc., and the distillery lying so low is excessively damp. Owing to the company being a private one it is perhaps not necessary to go into the accounts as if it were a public one but your directors think it right to place on record that the accounts are in such a state that if wound up they could not meet their liabilities."
April 1928
Stock whisky £10196.7s.10d Feints £48.15s.0dAGM on 4th June for year ended 30th April 1929
Distillery not working April 1929 Sales 18246.1 gallons £4561.10s.6d Stock whisky £6426.15s.2d Feints £48.15s.0dAGM 7th August 1930
whisky was distilled during the year but having regard to the slump in trade of the Country your Directors have decided not to work the distillery during the coming season.AGM 9th July 1931
The distillery was not working during the past season nor is it proposed to commence distillery operations next season. June 1932 not distilling and not proposing to distil.22nd August 1933
ditto3rd September 1934
ditto2nd September 1935
"Your Directors regret to report that the local authorities have condemned the byres and outbuildings of Cotland Farm as unsuitable for a dairy farm by reason of the fact that they do not comply with the requirements of the Scotland Dairying Act. To put them in order would entail heavy expenditure. As the lease of Cotland Farm expires in 1937 your directors were able to arrange with the authorities that the company be relieved from making this expenditure during the term of the present lease on condition that Cotland Farm be advertised for sale before 1st October 1936."27th August 1936
"Your directors have continued their policy of economising in every possible direction but owing to the fact that a considerable proportion of the stocks lying in the distillery warehouses has been sold and removed there is a slight increase in the expense in running your business during the year under review."31st March 1937 Special resolution.
The following special resolution was unanimously adopted."That the company be wound up voluntarily"
Bladnoch, Wigtownshire. Licentiehouder: Bladnoch Distillery Limited. Onderdeel van United Distillers Ltd. Eigendom van Guinness.
Bladnoch staat diep in het pastorale zuid-westen van Schotland gelegen Wigtownshire, aan de rivier Bladnoch, waar ook het water van wordt betrokken.
Bladnoch werd gesticht in 1818 door de gebroeders John en Thomas McClelland.
Het was een boerderij - distilleerderij, in de zomer werd op het land gewerkt, 's winters werd er gedistilleerd.
De distilleerderij zou tot 1930 in handen van deze familie blijven, toen nam de Ierse Belfast Distilling Company, producent van Dunville whiskey, Bladnoch over.
Belfast Distilling Company ging in vrijwillige liquidatie en Bladnoch werd in 1936 verkocht voor £ 3500.
Bladnoch was gesloten gedurende de volgende twintig jaar.
In 1956 werden de nieuwe eigenaars de Bladnoch Distillery Limited, en de distilleerderij werd weer voorzien van nieuwe installaties, de oude waren verkocht naar Zweden.
In 1964 wordt Bladnoch overgenomen door de whiskyblenders McGowan & Cameron te Glasgow.
In 1966 is Ian Fisher de eigenaar, die laat twee ketels installeren en een nieuw boiler-huis.
Inver House Distillers Ltd, toen het eigendom van Publicker Industries uit de Verenigde Staten werd.dervolgende eigenaar van Bladnoch.
In 1980 is Bladnoch opnieuw gesloten.
In 1983 verkoopt Inver Houses Bladnoch aan Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd, en Bladnoch wordt na een renovatie weer opgestart.
Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd was toen al de eigenaar van Blair Athol (1933), Dufftown - Glen-livet (1939), Inchgower (1936) en in 1974 werd Pittyvaich - Glenlivet gebouwd.
De laatste spirit kwam uit de ketels van Bladnoch in Juni 1993.
Er was sprake van dat United Distillers Ltd de distilleerderij zou verkopen aan Gibson International, toen de eigenaars van zowel Littlemill als Glen Scotia, maar dat ging niet door.
In 1994 toont Raymond Armstrong, een Ierse bouwondernemer, die een zomerhuis in Dal-beattie, belangstelling voor Bladnoch.
Hij wil zelf in de woning van de laatste manager (Ian Henderson, nu manager van La-phroaig) gaan wonen en de distilleerderij als bezoekerscentrum exploiteren.
De prijs die United Distillers vroeg was Armstrong veel te hoog, hij vroeg aan U.D. de komma één plaats naar links te zetten, en U.D. ging accoord.
Eind November 1994 was Bladnoch weer in Ierse handen.
Dacht United Distillers dat het opnieuw tot leven brengen van de distilleerderij tussen de £ 300.000 en £ 450.000 zou gaan kosten, Armstrong had £ 150.00 nodig.
Er werd ook geregeld dat Armstrong 100.000 liter spirit whisky per jaar mocht gaan produceren om ook in de toekomst bezoekers het produktieproces te laten zien en flessen whisky aan de bezoekers te kunnen verkopen.
Gedurende het seizoen 1988/1989 had Bladnoch nog 1.24 miljoen liter spirit geproduceerd.
Het plan is twee drie ton 'mashes' per week te doen en veertig weken per jaar te produceren en donderdag en vrijdag te distilleren.
Er staan nog zes Oregon Pine 'washbacks' uit de tijd van Beli's, en er zijn twee ketels, een 'washstill' met een kapaciteit van 13.500 liter en een 'spirit still' met een kapaciteit van 10.000 liter.
Een gebruikte Kiln werd overgenomen van een Islay distilleerderij. Het gebruikte water komt van de rivier Bladnoch.
De mashtun heeft een inhoud van 8 ton en er staan 6 washbacks gemaakt van Oregon Pine en met een inhoud van 40.000 liter elk.
Twee ervan worden nu gebruikt.
Guinness nam Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd in 1986 over en in 1987 The Distillers Company Ltd (D.C.L.), beide groepen van bedrijven tegen hun zin.
In 1988 werden de twee groepen van bedrijven samengevoegd en de nieuwe naam werd United Distillers Ltd.
Op 12 Mei 1997 staakt de Fransman Bernard Arnault van L M V H zijn verzet tegen de fusie van United Distillers Ltd en Grand Metropolitan (GrandMet) tegen een afkkopsom van ƒ 800.000.000.
De nieuwe naam van de gefuseerden zou eerst G M G Brands worden maar op 22 Oktober 1997 wordt bekend gemaakt dat de naam Diageo zou worden, afgeleid van het Latijnse woord vvor dag en het Griekse woord voor wereld.
Diageo wordt het grootste drankenconcern ter wereld, groter dan Seagram en Allied Domecq samen en met een omzet van 40 miljard gulden.
Op 28 Maart 1998 verkoopt Diageo het whiskymerk Dewar en het ginmerk Bombay voor £ 1,15 miljard aan Bacardi Martini. Het afstoten van de twee merken was een voorwaarde die door de Amerikaanse mededingingsautoriteiten was gesteld aan de goedkeuring van de fusie.
Dewar heeft een omzet van ruim één miljard gulden en een marktaandeel van 10 %. Het merk is marktleider in de V.S.
Diageo is de overkoepelende naam voor vier bedrijven: United Distillers & Vintners, (U.D.V.), Pilsbury, Guinness en Burger King.
Onderdeel van de verkoop houdt ook in de overname van de distilleerderijen Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie en Royal Brackla door Bacardi Martini.
Balmenach wordt in December 1997 verkocht aan Inver House.
Like a hundred fellow farmer-distillers, brothers John and Thomas McClelland of Bladnoch licensed their distillery (originally established in 1817) in 1825 after the repeal of laws prohibiting the use of small stills in the Lowlands. Following a conventional pattern, they erected buildings around a central courtyard; a format that survives until this day.
These buildings served until 1878, when major recontruction took place - the distillery now covering two acres of land. Visiting Bladnoch in 1887, Alfred Barnard found 'the Still House, the oldest part of the establishment, containing three Old Pot Stills, consisting of a Wash Still, 13.000 gallons, and two Low-wines stills, each of 400 gallons content'.
Thomas's son Charles McClelland continued the family's ownership into whisky boom years, olthough like most they were forced to close during the First World War.
The distillery closed again in 1938, apparently for good, ending the family's long involvement.
In 1956, surprisingly, the premises were bought, refurbished and re-opened. Any hopes of a long future were gradually dashed, however, by four more changes of ownership culminating in a further silent period that began in 1993.
This old gold 23 year old is unusually mature for a Lowland malt. Athough still typical in its light, smooth body, fruity palate and crisp appetising finish, its more intense, cask-strenght character also shines through.
'A light, smooth body and honeyed citrus fruit flavours. An unusually mature bottling of this rare Lowland malt, which finishes firm and dry'.
The Most Southerly Distillery in Scotland Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Wigtownshire
Established in 1817, Bladnoch nestles on the bank of the River Bladnoch, one mile from the sea at Wigtown Bay in beautiful 'Bonnie Galloway'.
This is a remote area of Scotland closer to Ireland than to other Lowland Distilleries.
When the distillery closed in 1993 writer Brian Towsend expressed the loss in Scotch Mis-sed in the following words:
'It is somehow impossible not to feel a special regret at the demise of Bladnoch. Few dis-tilleries can match it for the richness of its history and its stubborn ability to survive for so long against such odds'.
Once again independently owned, distilling has recommenced and with a production staff of just two, not surprisingly volumes distilled are small, nonetheless we are pleased to state that Bladnoch entered the new millennium in production.
October 2005
Diageo has announced that its 2005 Annual Rare Malts Selection will be the last.
The collection will consist of four cask strenght single malts from closed distilleries; Glen Mhor 28 years old, Millburn 35 years old, Glendullan 26 years old and Linkwood 30 years old.
Dr. Nicholas Morgan, global malts marketing director commented: 'As the Special Releases are now well established, it makes less sence to continue selecting and promoting a parallel series of Rare Malts with his own separate indentity'.
In future, all premium and rare whiskies will be made available in the annual Special Re-leases series.
1817
Brothers Thomas and John McLelland
found the distillery
1825
The McLelland brothers obtain the license
1878 Charles McLellan, son of John, reconstructs
the distillery
the distillery
1905
Production stops
1911 Dunville & Co distillers from Ireland buys
T. & A. McLelland Ltd
for 10.775 pound. Production is intermittent
until 1936
T. & A. McLelland Ltd
for 10.775 pound. Production is intermittent
until 1936
1937
Dunville & Co is liquidated and Bladnoch is
wound up 1956
wound up 1956
1956
Ross & Coulter from Glasgow buys the distillery
The equipment is dismantled and sold to Sweden
1956 The equipment is dismantled and sold to Sweden
A.B. Grant takes over the distillery, now named
Bladnoch
Distillery Ltd, 4 new stills are build and production
Bladnoch
Distillery Ltd, 4 new stills are build and production
starts again
1964
New owners: McGown & Cameron whiskyblenders
te Glasgow
1966
Two new stills are installed
1973 Inver House buys Bladnoch
1983 Arthur Bell & Sons takes over the distillery
1985 Guiness Group buys Arthur Bell & Sons
1988 Bladnoch becomes a Visitor Centre
1989 Arthur Bell & Sons is included in
United Distillers Ltd
United Distillers Ltd
1993
June, Bladnoch is mothballed
1994 October Bladnoch is bought by
Raymond Amstrong
Raymond Amstrong
from Ireland
2000 Production restart in December
2003 First bottles from Raymond Amstrong,
from United Distillers Casks
from United Distillers Casks
It is a 15 year old cask strength bottling
2004 New bottlings are following, 13 year
40 % and 55 %
40 % and 55 %
2008
Three 6 year old are released,
the first Amstrong
distillations
the first Amstrong
distillations
2009
An own 8 years old is released
2014
Bladnoch is liquidated
2015
David Prior buys the distillery
2016
Samsara, Adela and Talia are released
2017
Heavily peated whisky released and
production starts again
2018
A 10 years old is released
2019
A Visitor Centre is opened
2020
Capacity: 1.500.000 Ltrs
Output: 600.000 Ltrs
Output: 600.000 Ltrs
2020
A 14 years old released
The Waterfall Collection is launched
2022
Alinta and Liora and 5 Single Cask
Bottling are released
SCOTLAND'S most southerly whisky distillery is seeking a new owner, after its current parent company entered liquidation.
The Bladnoch Distillery and Visitor Centre, near Wigtown, is owned by the County Down-based firm Coordinated Development Services, who called in the liquidators last week.
The distillery entrance is roped off, with a sign informing visitors that the site is shut until further notice.
For the past two decades it has been run by Raymond Armstrong, a businessman with an interest in whisky, who bought the distillery in 1994 after it had been mothballed by United Distillers the previous year.
He spent over five years renovating the distillery, with production of the Bladnoch lowland malt recommencing in 2000.
Since his takeover, the distillery has become a popular tourist attraction, with a visitor centre, guided tours and shop.
Operated by fewer than 10 employees, it dates back nearly 200 years and accountants Ernst and Young - appointed to dispose of the assets - are understood to be keen on selling Bladnoch as a going concern.
BLADNOCH DISTILLERY IN ADMINISTRATION, TO BE SOLD
March 17, 2014 - One of Scotland's smallest distilleries is to be sold after a dispute between brothers led to a court-ordered windup of the business. Bladnoch Distillery in Wigtown was ordered into administration last week at the request of Colin Armstrong, one of the four owners of the distillery. Raymond Armstrong, the distillery's managing director, posted this note on the Bladnoch web site's discussion forum in response to questions about the court ruling."It's important to say that the company was not bankrupt, so there are no financial difficulties. The four directors/shareholders could not agree, two wanted to sell, two did not. Unfortunately there were no buyers wishing to acquire a 50% share holding and as the value of the distillery as a whole had increased considerably it was not possible to reach an amicable agreement. The relationships were appalling and to the detriment of the company."
Armstrong noted that he expects the distillery and its maturing stocks of whisky to be sold as a going concern. In the meantime, production has been halted and the status of the distillery's workers is unclear. A court-appointed receiver has been appointed to handle the sale of Bladnoch's assets.
"I first came across Bladnoch in May 1994, so it's nearly twenty years ago. I would have liked to have seen the distillery's bi-centenary in 2017 but that wasn't to be. My time at Bladnoch resulted in me getting a son in law from Glasgow and a daughter in law from Wigtown who has provided me with a Scottish grandson. I've also made friends all around the world so you can't say anything bad about that. The end wasn't the nicest but you can't have everything."
Armstrong and his partners acquired the distillery in 1994 after UDV (now Diageo) had closed it the previous year, but the sale came with a clause forbidding the new owners from re-starting production. In 2000, Diageo agreed to waive the restriction, but limited production to 100,000 liters of spirit annually. Since 2008, Bladnoch has released small amounts of its own whisky while selling older expressions produced under UDV ownership. The distillery has also hosted a series of whisky schools, and profited from leasing space in its maturation warehouses to other distillers.
Cooling and process water comes from a dam in the Bladnoch River, 2500 metres from
the distillery.
The dam is build to overcome the tidal effect on the river and also , via a mill lade, carry
his water to a Pelton wheel for power to the distillery.
Barley is malted by Simpsons of Berwick and is lightly peated.
The Malt mill is a Boby Mill.
Mashing is done in a 8 - tonnes stainless steel semi - lauter mash tun with new paddles
and comes from Inver House.
6 Wash backs are made from Oregon Pine each 40.000 litres and fermentation last for
48 hours.
Stills are made by Blair of Glasgow, the wash still has a capacity of 13.500 litres, the spirit
Still has a capacity of 10.000 litres and was build as a wash still and has inspection
Portholes.
The lower part of the neck is widened to boiling balls, the boil help to partially cool the
vapours so that the heavier components fall back to get a lighter spirit.
The ( revived) triple distilled spiritcomes from the stills at 63 % ABV and when 2,5 x is dis-
tilled the spirit comes at 71 % ABV from the sillsackenzie
The output is limited to 100.000 litres, Bladnoch can produce 1.300.000 litres.
There are 11 warehouses on site.
Bladnoch was very important for the blended whiskies Inver House, Bell's and The Real
Mackenzie
Monday 27 July 2015
The mothballed Bladnoch Distillery in south-west Scotland is to reopen and restart distilling after a six-year gap following its acquisition for an undisclosed price by an Australian entrepreneur.The new company, Bladnoch Distillery Ltd, is headed by David Prior and the board will also include non-executive director Gavin Hewitt, former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, the industry's trade body.
Prior ran the family's food packaging business Baroda before selling it in 2007. He founded five am, an organic yoghurt and granola business in 2009, the company being sold to PZ Cussons for £52 million in 2014.
Prior said yesterday: "I am delighted to have been able to purchase a Scotch whisky distillery of such renown as Bladnoch. Scotch whisky is the world's foremost spirit drink and I am proud to be part of the Scotch whisky industry."
Established in 1817 by brothers John and Thomas McClelland, Bladnoch enjoyed a reputation as a leading Lowland Scotch malt whisky distillery under several owners, including Arthur Bell and United Distillers. The mothballed distillery was bought by Co-ordinated Development Services (CDS) in 1994, reopening for production in 2000, before stopping distilling again in 2009. CDS went into liquidation in March 2014.
Luke Charleton, of EY, liquidators to CDS, said he was "delighted" to announce the sale of Bladnoch Distillery "with all retained jobs and creditors paid in full".
He said: "The distillery continued to trade 'business as usual' under my direction, while a purchaser was sought for the business and assets on a going concern basis.
"There was a tremendous level of interest from domestic and international investors in this distillery. It is particularly pleasing to have sold the distillery to a buyer with a clear growth strategy."
Bladnoch makes Macmillan master distiller and blender
17 August, 2015Bladnoch Distillery has appointed Ian Macmillan, former head of distilleries and master blender with Burn Stewart Distillers, as its master distiller and blender.
Macmillan will join Bladnoch in early October.
The company says Macmillan will use his 40 years' experience in the scotch whisky industry, including his experience "resuscitating" Burn Stewart's three distilleries, to bring Bladnoch in south west Scotland back into production.
The company intends to restore Bladnoch's reputation as one of the foremost Lowland scotch whiskies following acquisition of the distillery by David Prior last month.
Prior said: "I am delighted that such a well-known master distiller and blender as Ian Macmillan will join the Bladnoch team in the early autumn. His experience and expertise will ensure we create the finest scotch whiskies as we re-start distilling at Bladnoch and develop our brand strategy and marketing."
Ian Macmillan said on his appointment: "I look forward to meeting the challenges of getting Bladnoch back into production. There is a tremendous opportunity to create one of the very best single malt scotch whiskies for passionate consumers of scotch worldwide, and to develop the range of Bladnoch bottlings and other scotch whisky brands."
BLADNOCH LAUNCHES WINE-FINISHED 17-YEAR-OLD
February 2019
Lowlands distillery Bladnoch has released a new limited edition 17-year-old single malt finished in Californian red wine casks.
Californian influence: Bladnoch 17 Year Old has been finished in ex-red wine casks
First filled into ex-Bourbon barrels in 2001, the whisky has been finished for between two and three years in ex-red wine casks.
Bottled at 46.7% abv, the expression is said to be ‘rich and composed’ with notes of ‘coffee, cherries and sweet oak’ on the nose with ‘orange marmalade with hints of liquorice and cinnamon’ on the palate.
It joins Bladnoch’s existing range comprised of Bladnoch 10 Year Old, the NAS Bladnoch Samsara, 15-year-old Bladnch Adela and 25-year-old Bladnoch Talia.
Distillery owner David Prior said: ‘This is my favourite Bladnoch yet. This one is an absolute stunner.’
The limited edition malt is currently available at specialist stores across the UK and Europe, priced around £98.95 a bottle.
The whisky is set to release in the US at the end of February, while Bladnoch plans to roll the 17-year-old out across Australia and Asia from April.
One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Bladnoch was silent for many years before being revived in 2017, following its purchase by Australian entrepreneur David Prior.
Following a complete refurbishment, Bladnoch is set to open the doors to its ‘state-of-the-art’ visitor centre in June 2019.
In December it was revealed that Bladnoch master distiller Ian MacMillan is to leave his role at the distillery in early 2019 to establish a whisky consultancy business, although he will remain involved with Bladnoch in an advisory capacity.
MACALLAN MASTER DISTILLER TO JOIN BLADNOCH
April 2019
Former Macallan master distiller Dr Nick Savage is set to join Lowland distillery Bladnoch from 1 July.
Nick Savage will replace Ian MacMillan at the recently-revived 200-year-old distillery
As Bladnoch’s master distiller, Savage will replace Ian MacMillan, who left the distillery in January to establish his own whisky consultancy firm.
Savage said: ‘The vision and ambition shown by [Bladnoch CEO] David Prior and the team at Bladnoch distillery played a huge part in my decision to join the Bladnoch business.
‘The opportunity also allows me a new challenge in single malt Lowland Scotch whisky from a 200-year-old distillery.’
At Bladnoch, Savage joins newly-appointed distillery manager Neil Bulloch, who was previously mentored at the distillery by MacMillan prior to his departure.
Before his three-year tenure at Macallan, Savage was a distilling technical leader at William Grant & Sons’ Girvan distillery and had a four-year stint at Diageo.
The appointment follows news that Macallan stalwarts, whisky maker Bob Dalgarno and former creative director Ken Grier, have also left the business to lead the team at Glenturret distillery, which was recently acquired by luxury goods business Lalique.
Bladnoch distillery spent a decade in mothballs before restarting production in 2017, producing several limited edition whiskies including, most recently, a wine cask-finished 17-year-old expression.
Bladnoch appoints former Macallan master distiller
April, 2019
Bladnoch Distillery has appointed Dr Nick Savage as master distiller to replace Ian MacMillan who retired in January 2019.
Dr Savage has joined Bladnoch from The Macallan where he was master distiller and has previously worked at Diageo in cask maturation and with William Grant & Sons.
Australian businessman David Prior purchased the 200-year-old distillery in 2015 and Bladnoch is due to open a new visitor center later this year.
“The vision and ambition shown by David Prior and the team at Bladnoch Distillery, together with the phenomenal efforts since 2015 with the re-generation of the historical site, played a huge part in my decision to join the Bladnoch business,” said Dr Savage.
“The opportunity also allows me a new challenge in single malt Lowland scotch whisky from a 200 year old distillery. Combined with the passion and drive that the Bladnoch team have for the ultimate quality, I’m extremely excited to be a part of the amazing future of the brand.”
Prior added: “His (Dr Savage) youthful, positive and energetic approach will add great value to our team and business, as will his technical and operational skills. With the visitor centre opening in mid-June and Nick joining the business we are excited to undertake the final phase in bringing this amazing Lowland single malt distillery back to the whisky world.”
Dr Savage will join Bladnoch on 1 July 2019, working with newly appointed distillery manager Neil Bulloch and the rest of the Bladnoch team.
Bladnoch Distillery is Scotland’s southernmost distillery, and one of a handful that remain independently owned. Since being purchased by Prior Bladnoch has launched its line of Bladnoch single malt whiskies and its Pure Scot blend in more than 30 countries
Macallan Whisky Master Distiller Moves To Small, Re-Invented Distiller
It was recently announced that Nick Savage, the Macallan's master distiller and the man in charge of making one of the world's most popular and renowned Scotch whiskies, will be stepping down from his role to join Bladnoch, a small, re-invented distillery in the Lowlands of Scotland.
It's been an exciting few years for the Macallan. The opening of their brand new state-of-the-art distillery was a major event in 2018, and over the year numerous world whisky records were broken at auction. The highlight came when a one-of-a-kind Macallan 1926 60-Year-Old designed by Irish artist, Michael Dillon, sold for over US$1.5 million. It was, all in all, a great year for Macallan whisky. So, much is uncertain now that Nick Savage, the man who was with the brand through all its recent successes, is leaving to join the Bladnoch distillery. Savage will be joining the Bladnoch team in July, as the new master distiller, working alongside distillery manager Neil Bulloch.
Nick said of his decision to join the distillery team: 'The vision and ambition shown by David Prior and the team at Bladnoch Distillery, together with the phenomenal efforts since 2015 with the re-generation of the historical site, played a huge part in my decision to join the Bladnoch business. The opportunity also allows me a new challenge in Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky from a 200 year old distillery. Combined with the passion and drive that the Bladnoch team have for the ultimate quality, I’m extremely excited to be a part of the amazing future of the brand.'
Bladnoch CEO and owner, David Prior, stated: 'It’s a great privilege to welcome Nick Savage to the Bladnoch business. He has an impressive track record with a number of significant whisky companies and brands, most recently as Master Distiller for The Macallan. His youthful, positive and energetic approach will add great value to our team and business, as
will his technical and operational skills. With the Visitor Centre opening in mid-June and Nick joining the business we are excited to undertake the final phase in bringing this amazing Lowland Single Malt distillery back to the whisky world.
Bladnoch Distillery's New Master Distiller
We are delighted to announce Bladnoch Distillery's newly appointed Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage.
Nick has had an impressive career thus far working with Diageo and William Grant & Sons, and he is currently the Master Distiller of The Macallan. Nick joins Bladnoch three and a half years after David Prior purchased the 200 year old Lowlands distillery.
We look forward to Nick joining the team in July as we continue to create
award-winning Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
As you can imagine this big news has created some exciting buzz in the whisky world! To learn more about our exciting new Master Distiller, you can read the latest Forbes article here.
And to stay up-to-date with all the latest Bladnoch news, don't forget to follow us on Bladnoch's Instagram and Facebook.
BLADNOCH OPENS VISITOR CENTRE’S DOORS
July 2019
Lowland distillery Bladnoch is set to open a new visitor centre this Thursday (25 July) as the ‘final piece’ of the distillery’s reinvention.
Bladnoch distillery
Long history: As well as modern features, Bladnoch’s visitor centre will feature a historical gallery
The visitor centre will feature a historical gallery, highlighting the distillery’s founding in 1815 and its purchase in 2015 by entrepreneur David Prior, a gift shop and tasting bar stocking its Bladnoch single malt and Pure Scot blended Scotch whiskies.
Prior said: ‘Over the past four years my team and I have restored and upgraded the distilling operation of Bladnoch and launched into 30 countries.
‘The opening of the visitor centre represents the final piece of this exciting and rewarding project; we are delighted to deliver Bladnoch back to the local community as an ongoing source of pride and employment.’
Since its 2015 revival, Bladnoch has recruited former Burn Stewart blender Ian Macmillan, who is now employed only in an advisory capacity, and ex-Macallan Dr Nick Savage as its former and current master distillers respectively.
Bladnoch distillery spent 10 years in mothballs before resuming production two years after its purchase, producing several limited edition whiskies, such as a bicentennial release and a wine cask-finished 17-year-old.
Last week, Bladnoch Distillery Ltd was ruled against by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) after a complaint was raised against a series of ‘sexist and demeaning’ Instagram posts, which the SWA said used ‘overly sexualised’ images of women
2019
Capacity = 1.500.000 Ltrs
Output = 600.000 Ltrs
+ 45.000 Ltrs heavily peated spirit is produced
Production-wise its style varied. At the start of the Bell’s era it was light and floral, but the blender’s template of nutty and spicy became the norm towards the end of its ownership. When distilling started again in 2000 the old, more delicate, style was reintroduced – which explains the variation in character in official bottlings. Some peated malt was also run in the Armstrong era, a period which also saw the firm expand into independent bottlings – all of which were sold at incredibly keen prices.
Today, under the auspices of Australian owner David Prior, Bladnoch produces a light, grassy and malty Lowland-style malt.
Also produced here;
Diomhair'Eachd
It was 1817 when John and Thomas McClelland took out a licence to make whisky on their farm in the hamlet of Bladnoch near Wigtown in the far south-west of Scotland. It stayed in family ownership until 1905, when it was one of many stills to close during a period of over-supply and low sales.
Bladnoch is not far from the sea crossing between Stranraer and Larne and twice in its history its saviours have come from Northern Ireland. The first of these was Belfast distiller Dunville & Co. which owned the Royal Irish distillery. It bought Bladnoch in 1911 and continued production – albeit intermittently – until 1937. At that point, Dunville’s directors were spooked by (Scottish-based) DCL’s declaration that Irish whiskey had no future. After DCL turned down the chance to buy the firm, it went into liquidation, despite being profitable and having stock. Bladnoch was closed once more.
Worse was to follow. Its new owner, Ross & Coulter, sold off Bladnoch’s mature stock and sent the distilling equipment to Sweden – and so the story continues, with owners coming and going at rapid rate. Bladnoch reopened in 1956, was expanded to four stills in 1966, became part of Inver House for a decade, and then in 1983 was bought by Arthur Bell & Son. After Bell’s was taken over it was folded into Guinness/UD [now Diageo] and production once again slowed. In 1993, it was officially decommissioned.
The year after, however, two brothers from Northern Ireland bought it with the initial idea of turning the extensive site into a holiday village. A change of heart soon after saw them wishing to start making whisky again – contrary to the terms of sale. It took six years to persuade Diageo to allow them to make 100,000 litres a year – below capacity and as it turned out right on the limits of profitability.
Most of the distillery’s income came from tourism, events and the extensive warehousing rented out to other producers. Production remained intermittent with mothballing taking place in 2009/10. In 2014, the brothers placed it into administration.
In July 2015 Australian businessman David Prior, along with ex-Scotch Whisky Association CEO, Gavin Hewitt, announced the purchase of Bladnoch and plans to restore the distillery to its former glory.
Ahead of its reopening in 2017, three single malts created using existing stocks of Bladnoch (Samsara, Adela and Talia), were released in limited quantities in Australia, the UK and other global markets.
Production at Bladnoch offically restarted in June 2017, with the flow of a grassy, malty Lowland-style spirit.
CAPACITY (MLPA) i
1.5
CONDENSER TYPE i
Shell and tube
FERMENTATION TIME i
Min. 48 hours
FILLING STRENGTH i
63.4% abv
GRIST WEIGHT (T) i
5
HEAT SOURCE i
Steam
MALT SPECIFICATION i
Unpeated: Max 2ppm
Peated: 35ppm
MALT SUPPLIER i
Various
MASH TUN TYPE i
Semi lauter
NEW-MAKE STRENGTH i
69% abv
SPIRIT STILL CHARGE (L) i
9,500
SPIRIT STILL SHAPE i
Medium bulbous
SPIRIT STILL SIZE (L) i
10,500
STILLS i
4 (2 x wash, 2 x spirit)
WAREHOUSING i
Traditional dunnage
WASH STILL CHARGE (L) i
12,500
WASH STILL SHAPE i
Onion
WASH STILL SIZE (L) i
14,000
WASHBACK CHARGE (L) i
23,000
WASHBACK SIZE (L) i
26,000
WASHBACK TYPE i
Wooden
WASHBACKS i
6
WATER SOURCE i
Bladnoch River
WORT CLARITY i
Clear
YEAST TYPE i
Caked
OWNERS
Bladnoch Distillery Limited logo
PARENT COMPANY
Bladnoch Distillery Limited
2011 - present
CURRENT OWNER
David Prior
2015 - present
PREVIOUS OWNERS
Colin and Raymond Armstrong
1994 - 2014
United Distillers
1992 - 1994
Arthur Bell & Sons
1983 - 1992
Inver House Distillers
1973 - 1983
Ian Fisher and McGowan & Cameron
1966 - 1973
AB Grant & Co
1956 - 1965
Ross & Coulter
1945 - 1956
WM Dunville & Co
1911 - 1945
T&A McClelland
1878 - 1911
The McClelland Family
1817 - 1878
NEW ARRIVAL
BLADNOCH 'VINAYA' SINGLE MALT
Inspired by the original founders of our 204 year old distillery in the Scottish Lowlands, Vinaya is a celebration of the old and the new.
Meaning 'respect and gratitude', Vinaya is our way of paying homage to those who led Bladnoch through the last two centuries of crafting beautiful Lowland Scotch Whisky, as we look forward to an exciting new era of production and innovation.
Bladnoch Vinaya combines ex Bourbon and ex Sherry casks for delectable notes of green apple and floral grass, and as with all Bladnoch Single Malts, is non-chill filtered and natural colour.
"From our original founders to our new era, we wanted to showcase the Lowland style of Bladnoch Distillery. By using 1st fill ex-Bourbon barrels, we're able to highlight the floral notes from the distillery character along with refreshing, citrus sweetness. The 1st fill ex-Sherry casks then add a subtle rich body to the whisky and mouthfeel to the experience, finishing with notes of chocolate. These individual aspects combine to showcase the classic aspects of our distillery."
Bladnoch Distillery's Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage
The Bladnoch team are thrilled to unveil Vinaya Single Malt to the world.
Available immediately through the UK online store and in selected retailers around the world later this year.
To enquire about availability in your location, please contact info@bladnoch.com
BLADNOCH 19 YEAR OLD
"The launch of our new 19 year old whisky adds another dimension to Bladnoch's portfolio of annual releases. Extraordinary Pedro Ximenez casks matured at Bladnoch complement the existing range with a beautifully rich and sweet whisky. The 19 Year Old PX matured Bladnoch emphasises our commitment to quality and delivers a single malt for those special moments."
Bladnoch Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage
The Bladnoch team are happy to announce the upcoming launch of our 19 Year Old Single Malt. This is the first PX Sherry expression in the 204 year old distillery's range, with the flavourful casks imparting delectable notes of dark liquorice sticks, dried apricots and warming nutmeg.
The Bladnoch 19 Year Old will be released in a small initial amount at 10am GMT, Thursday 10th of June on Bladnoch.com and at the distillery Visitor Centre. Available in selected countries and retailers in 2021
INTERNATIONAL
NEWSBLADNOCH DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES RARE BOTTLE FOR CHARITY AUCTIONBladnoch Distillery announced today that one rare bottle of their Sample Room Reserve whisky will be released through Whisky Bull Auctions with the distillery matching the final bid and all proceeds going to charity. The first edition bottle comes from owner David Prior’s personal collection, having received Bottle 03 of 40 at the end of the last financial year as a special release by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, to commemorate the distillery’s annual achievements. A celebration of the year passed, each of Bladnoch’s 40 current employees received their own personal bottle of Sample Room Reserve, featuring a hand-signed label that tells the story of the team’s successes and challenges overcome in the 12 months prior and expresses gratitude for those who made it all possible. The liquid is a unique blend of aged Bladnoch Single Malts that Dr Savage created from archived samples from his sample room. No bottles of Sample Room Reserve were released to the wider public for sale. Bladnoch Distillery’s owner and CEO, David Prior shared today, "As the bottling is not for sale and a number of dedicated Bladnoch fans enquired about purchasing one, I am pledging my personal bottle No. 03 / 40 through a charity auction. We will match the final bid and donate the raised money to the Dumfries & Galloway Mental Health Association whose work is more important and appreciated now than ever." The bottle will be released on auction through WhiskyBull.com on Thursday the 12th of August with bidding closing on Sunday the 15th of August.
EXCLUSIVE RELEASE
Bladnoch is excited to collaborate once more with the world's biggest community of whisky lovers - The Whisky Club. This year Master Distiller Nick Savage has created an entirely unique new whisky exclusively for Club Members.
Introducing 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬, matured in a rare combination of Virgin Oak, American Oak and Oloroso Sherry Quarter Casks to create the whisky equivalent of drinking a toasted marshmallow, Dr Savage has bottled Ember Casks at his choice cut of 53.5% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural colour, as with all Bladnoch expressions.
This is the third time in that The Whisky Club has featured Bladnoch as their Whisky of the Month. Following the cask strength 10 year old in 2018, and the 2007 Cask Strength in 2021, once again we have worked closely with the club to create something exciting and collectable.
This whisky is only available to Whisky Club members for a very limited time - The Ember Casks goes on sale this Friday 6th May at 12:01am.
Click the link below to sign up. 🥃
Joining is free, you can cancel any time and you only pay for the whiskies you receive. There’s nothing to lose out on, except good whisky.
Bladnoch Distillery announces limited release whisky expression
28 June, 2022
Bladnoch Distillery has announced its newest expression, a 30-year-old single malt Scotch whisky with a limited release of 950 bottles.
Matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry and Moscatel casks, it is the oldest whisky from the 205-year-old Lowland distillery since David Prior took ownership.
Bladnoch’s master distiller Dr Nick Savage said: “Our 30-year-old was designed to showcase the pinnacle of our range with the unique combination of Oloroso and Moscatel casks.”
Bottled at 45.5%, without chill-filtration and with a natural colour, clients can purchase online on Bladnoch’s website, in the visitor centre or through the distillery's distributors.
Bladnoch’s master distiller Dr Nick Savage said: “Our 30-year-old was designed to showcase the pinnacle of our range with the unique combination of Oloroso and Moscatel casks.”
Bottled at 45.5%, without chill-filtration and with a natural colour, clients can purchase online on Bladnoch’s website, in the visitor centre or through the distillery's distributors.
“This unique cask combination, rarity, and character, will inspire our future whisky making for many years,” Dr Savage added.
The Scottish distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world.
David Prior said on the launch: “It is a privilege to release this 30-year-old single malt, produced from Bladnoch’s heritage whisky and matured in these rare casks. This continues an exciting chapter in Bladnoch’s whisky making history as we continue to develop our portfolio.”
Scotch whisky distillery Bladnoch, has announced its latest release, The Dragon Series, a collection of five single malt whiskies.
Each Iteration in the series captures a moment in the whisky making process, drawing inspiration from the Dragon Curve, a fractional curve in mathematics.
Bladnoch’s master distiller, Dr. Nick Savage, said: “The Dragon Curve demonstrates the science versus nature of predictability, chaos, natural order, and beauty. The building of The Dragon Series whiskies brought this to life in the sample room. We have attempted to demonstrate the resultant beauty that occurs from the natural unpredictability inherent within our whisky making process, which we endeavour to control over the decades.
“These five expressions of the Dragon Series have evolved to capture the essence of each iteration of our process. The Dragon Series also gives us confidence and excitement upon which to build and bring to life more concepts with Bladnoch in the future,” Savage added.
The collection includes five iterations: The Field, The Spirit, The Casks, The Ageing and The Decision.
The Dragon Series will be available to buy online via Bladnoch’s website and in its visitor centre in Dumfries and Galloway, and will be sold globally through Bladnoch’s network of distributors for an rrp of £110 per bottle or £550 for the full collection
Kirkcowan is een nieuwe single malt whisky die wordt gedistilleerd bij de Bladnoch distilleerderij. Het is een niet geturfde whisky. De naam is afgeleid van het gelijknamige dorp, op zo’n tien kilometer van de distilleerderij. De naam wordt ook gebruikt voor vaten die door indepent bottlers niet onder de naam Bladnoch mogen worden gebotteld. De whisky rijpt volledig op vaten van Amerikaans eikenhout.
De Bladnoch distilleerderij is gelegen in het plaatsje Bladnoch, aan de oevers van de rivier met dezelfde naam, net ten zuidenwesten van de plaats Wigtown, ook wel bekend als de boekenstad van Schotland. De betekenis van naam Bladnoch is onbekend. De naam zal afkomstig zijn van zowel de naam van het stadje als die van de gelijknamige rivier. De boerenfamilie McClelland heeft de Bladnoch distilleerderij zo tussen de jaren 1814 en 1817 opgericht. In 1871 werd Bladnoch overgenomen door de firma T.& A. McClelland & Co Ltd. En er vond in 1878 een verbouwing plaats. In 1886 zouden er in het stillhouse volgens overlevering een buitengewoon grote wash still en twee kleinere spirit stills hebben gestaan. Vanaf 1938 werd de distilleerderij door crises gesloten en na de sluitingen door de wereldoorlogen werd de distilleerderij in 1956 verkocht aan A.B. Grant, die de distilleerderij weer opende onder de naam Bladloch Distillery Ltd. Na diverse overname's door verschillende blenders was Inver House Distillers Ltd. tussen 1973 en 1983 eigenaar van Bladnoch, waarna de distilleerderij na twee jaar daarna gesloten te zijn geweest gekocht werd door Arthur Bell & Sons. Bell moderniseerde de distilleerderij en deze werd toen in 1985 overgenomen door de bierbrouwer Guinness, die later als de distilleertak United Distillers genoemd zou worden. U.D. sloot in juni 1993 de Bladnoch distilleerderij, maar het bezoekerscentrum mocht open blijven. Ook besloot U.D. in 1993 de Balmenach, Rosebank en de Pittyvaich distilleerderijen te sluiten. Raymond Armstrong, een aannemer uit Ierland kocht in 1994 de Bladnoch distilleerderij en het daarbij behorende bezoekerscentrum. Hij kocht Bladnoch puur als hobby en wilde het liefst de productie weer opstarten. United Distillers waren het met deze plannen niet eens, daar zij alleen het bezoekerscentrum hadden verkocht en nog eigenaar van de distilleerderij waren. Na onderhandelingen en processen mag Raymond Armstrong nu twee mashes per week produceren en van de distilleerderij een levend museum maken. Deze productie startte weer in het jaar 1998 en Bladnoch heeft hiermee de laagste productie van de distilleerderijen in Schotland. In het stillhouse staat één wash still en één spirit still, die met stoom worden verwarmd. De zes washbacks zijn van Oregon pine gemaakt. De malt werd voor de sluiting uitsluitend in refill vaten gerijpt. Het water dat zowel voor de productie als voor de koeling gebruikt wordt, haalt men via een pijpleiding vanaf de bovenloop van de rivier de Bladnoch. Sinds begin 2014 is de distilleerderij helaas weer gesloten en wordt er gezocht naar kandidaten voor een overname. Inmiddels is deze gevonden in de persoon van David Prior, een voormalig zakenpartner van Raymond Armstrong.