Bladnoch is the southernmost distillery in Scotland. It had a history of closures and re-starts and used to be operated by UDV – United Distilleries (now Diageo) until June 1993. In October 1994, it is bought by Raymond Armstrong (with the idea to turn it into a hotel) but plans change and whisky production recommences in 2000.

This 16 year-old is the first Bladnoch to be bottled in the Single Malts of Scotland series by The Whisky Exchange.

Bladnoch 16yo 1992 (46%, Single Malts of Scotland 2009, bourbon hogshead, cask #2694, 375 btl.)

Nose: holds the middle between grassy, floral and fruity (in that order). The freshly cut grass comes first, but after being warmed up there are hints of heather and lavender and quite some fruits (lemon of course, grapefruit but also peaches on syrup). Very subtle vanilla. More complex than you would initially think. Mouth: sweet lemon juice with more grapefruit now. Quite citrusy, gentle and delicately fresh (yet not lightweight). Orange peel with a slightly bitter edge (grapefruit tea). A pinch of white pepper. Finish: medium length, on citrus mostly. Some flower honey as well.

There is a thread about this bottling on the Bladnoch forum. Unfortunately I’m not familiar enough with Bladnoch to say whether this is an exceptional bottling. It has a very interesting nose (give it some time though), it’s easily drinkable and well-balanced. A good summer dram. Around € 55.

Score: 85/100