Founded in 1817, legendary Lowland distillery Bladnoch is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the oldest operating Lowland distillery since the closure of Littlemill which held both titles.

Situated west of the village of Wigtown in the Gallovidian countryside, Bladnoch has the distinction of being the southernmost distillery in Scotland - closer to Belfast than Edinburgh - and its spirit in some ways bears a semblance to the softer malts of Ireland, though it eschews the triple distillation practiced by its Irish cousins and other Lowland neighbours.

The classic house style of Bladnoch is gentle and combines a fruit-forward malt profile with elements of spice and earth which celebrate a variety of wood types including the classic PX and Oloroso sherries, with a number of exceptional expressions thriving in less intrusive Bourbon wood for those who prefer the character of the distillate to shine more clearly.

A stop-start attempt to reopen the distillery under independent ownership faltered in the early 2010s but in 2017 the stills at last roared back into life and with new packaging and a vision for the future Bladnoch made a strong statement of intent that they were ready to take centre stage as the top player in the Lowlands. In 2019 they took another step in reinstating Bladnoch as a premier single malt when Dr Nick Savage took over as Master Distiller after previously serving in the same post with none-other than The Macallan.

Extremely rare on the cask market, we have secured a number of new make casks filled in 2019 & 2020 into world class bourbon barrels, sherry hogsheads and a very limited number of Oloroso & PX butts. All produced under the stewardship of Dr. Savage offered below £12 IB per bottle they are incredible value and with the future of the Bladnoch brand being rosy as it is, they offer remarkable upside.

The peat is fine-grained, much more clearly highland peat than Islay or Coastal as it foregoes the iodine and TCP or boat oil, more reminiscent of an autumn bonfire somewhere in the distance. The sherry brings in the classic Macallan profile to work in perfect balance with that unique peat-inflected edge. A true masterpiece of the bottler's art. Just 690 crystal decanters filled at 47%.

The Macallan Highland Single Malt Harmony Amber Meadow NV is an exceptional Scotch whisky, expertly crafted in the famed Macallan distillery in the Highlands of Scotland. This sophisticated spirit flaunts a rich, amber hue — an ode to its name 'Amber Meadow'. A journey on the palate, it presents an invigorating blend of earthy tones, honeyed sweetness, and an undertone of zesty citrus. Hand-selected oak casks, a signature of Macallan, contribute to its complex character, depth of flavour, and superior smooth finish.

Consistent perfection is the hallmark of Macallan, and the Harmony Amber Meadow NV is no exception. This non-vintage expression continues Macallan's exquisite legacy - it's not just a single malt, but an experience, delivering the authentic and opulent taste synonymous with Macallan Highland scotches. Experience the sublime balance and harmony this Macallan expression reflects on the global whisky connoisseurs' world.

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As a discerning connoisseur, the Miyagikyo Single Malt 2000's NV is a sensory treat to your palate. Exquisitely created by the prestige Nikka Whisky Distilling Company, this exquisite malt embraces the artisanal mastery inherent to Nikka's second distillery, Miyagikyo. Located amidst the serene setting of Sendai's picturesque north, the malt mirrors its verdant surroundings, featuring hints of fruity sweetness and spice merged with a soft smoke. Harvested in the early 2000's, this revered spirit is a snapshot of the distillery's unique evolution over the years. Distilled meticulously with copper pot stills, savouring Miyagikyo Single Malt 2000's is a journey through Nikka's sophisticated whisky making process. Rich, complex, yet smoothly balanced, each sip of this fine spirit unveils layers which evocatively depict Miyagikyo's inherent character. As a revered addition to any collection, Miyagikyo Single Malt 2000's NV is the epitome of Nikka's bold innovation and enduring legacy.

The Mortlach Speyside Single Malt Sherry Finish 21YO Bottled 2020 1999 is a perfect representation of the renowned quality of the Mortlach distillery in Scotland. Richly matured for 21 years in American oak barrels and creatively finished in Oloroso sherry casks, this Scotch elicits a remarkable aroma and distinct flavour profile.

Noteworthy is the warmth of its sherry finish, a result of the maturation in traditional oak casks. The full-bodied spirit reveals tantalising hints of dark chocolate, dry fruits, and spicy undertones, resulting in an unforgettable palate. Taken in conjunction with a long, smooth finish, the Mortlach Speyside Single Malt Sherry Finish 21YO Bottled 2020 1999 speaks volumes about the distillery's commitment to incomparable quality and artisanal craftsmanship.

This fine whisky confirms Mortlach’s reputation for producing robust, complex spirits, a delight to both discerning connoisseurs and curious seekers of fine whisky globally.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of the Nikka 2000s Yoichi Single Malt NV, an exquisite whisky hailing from the esteemed Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, Japan. This award-winning distillery, founded by the legendary Masataka Taketsuru, is famed for adhering to traditional methods, ensuring each barrel yields an utterly unique taste profile. The Nikka 2000s Yoichi Single Malt NV is a perfect embodiment of this pursuit of excellence.

Characterised by its bold, peaty flavour entwined with soft, well-aged tones of autumn fruits; this bespoke single malt is a true testament to the intricate art of Japanese whisky-making. Pleasing to both nose and palate, it seduces with a delightful mix of sweetness and spice, leaving a lingering trail of smoke. Expertly crafted to emulate the same level of sophistication as its predecessors, the Nikka 2000s Yoichi Single Malt NV is the perfect addition to any discerning connoisseur's collection.

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Highland Park Distillery is one of the world’s greatest single malt whiskies. In 2018, Highland Park ranked 2nd behind only Macallan in volume of auction sales. Located on the island of Orkney, the distillery was founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson. Eunson was a colourful character who was a butcher and church warden by day and an illicit whisky smuggler by night!

Highland Park is the only distillery to use peat from Orkney in the distillation process. This gives the resulting whisky its iconic smoky, slightly sweet flavour, rather than the briny, medicinal peatiness more common in Islay whiskies. Today it is one of the world’s most recognised and collectable whiskies.

A ravishing testament to enduring quality, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky hailing from the revered producing region of Islay, Scotland. Initiated in the now silent Port Ellen Distillery, which has a rich history dating back to 1825, this distilled brilliance presents a captivating symphony of texture and flavour. Fashioned with utmost precision and age-old rigor, it offers the exclusive experience of savouring a spirit born from traditional methods.

In its composition, you'll find wholesome barley notes infused with enticing wafts of peat smoke, with a gentle seaside twist. As it cascades down the palate, undertones of dried fruit, leather, and a subtle salty tang reveal themselves. A legendary, limited-edition creation, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 pays a beautiful homage to its roots while offering whisky enthusiasts an impeccable sipping experience. Their stock is limited, making this a valuable seek-out for any refined connoisseur.

Glen Grant Distillery is a renowned Scottish whisky producer located in the beautiful Speyside region. Founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant, the distillery has a rich history and is known for its high-quality single malt whiskies. The distillery is also recognized for its beautiful gardens, which were designed by John Grant himself. With over 180 years of experience, Glen Grant continues to produce exceptional whiskies that are loved by whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

Founded in the 1820s in the Speyside village of Keith, Strathmill is best known as the malt whisky at the heart of the J&B Rare blended scotch whisky, a role which has seen it included in one of the most popular whiskies on earth, though the single malt itself has long flown under the radar; a preserve of connoisseurs and an insider's secret.

Only one official bottling has ever been released; the exquisitely balanced, classically Speyside 12 Year Old 'Flora & Fauna' edition, now sadly discontinued. Indie bottlings are also relatively rare, though the few we do see fetch surprisingly high prices at young ages. The rarity of Strathmill on the market coupled with the good value presented by these casks gives remarkable upside for those with the patience to wait.

Strathmill's style is somewhat akin to Cragganmore, in our view; with a fair bit of sandalwood, incense and light woody spice on top of a delicate orchard fruit and citrus bouquet. This is a distillery which rewards Bourbon wood very well indeed so no re-racking necessary in this case.

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A stablemate of classic Islay distillery Bunnahabhainn and the iconic Tobermory Distillery on Mull, Deanston is a hidden gem of a Highland Malt. Founded on the banks of the River Teith in 1795 as a cotton mill, the beautiful stone building was converted to its present purpose in 1965. Drawing water from the river which also powers its own hydro-energy facility, it has the distinction of being the only energy self-sufficient distillery in Scotland.

The spirit produced here is a classically fine, balanced Highland Malt with a bit of punchiness to its profile that does well ageing relatively unhindered in ex-Bourbon wood as is the case here. The distillery’s production of bottled single malt is small with 85% of the output going into blends. That gives holders of Deanston casks a point of relative rarity that very little of this delicious spirit is bottled as single malt, and even rarer, bottled at an advanced age. As such this will greatly reward patience.

Tasting Note
Fresh and bright with excellent potential given the performance over 9 years of maturation in a single refill hogshead, it was regauged just this year close to 60% ABV, this is well suited to a very long term hold, while Deanston's profile rises as it has done for the past decade. Look for classic apple, pear and stone fruit aromatics alongside crisp barley and cereal notes as it shows a remarkably youthful nose. This is ageing slow indeed with a lot left to give in the years (and decades) ahead.

Based in the small village of Ballindaloch on the banks of the River Spey, situated a stones throw from Glenfarclas, Tomintoul is a modern classic. Known popularly as "the gentle dram with a peaty tang" it breaks with fellow Speysiders by introducing a hint of peat smoke to their distillery's flavour profile.

Less heavily peated than the likes of Ardmore, Tomintoul has begun to gradually build up its reputation around the world and though it can still be considered an insider's secret, a number of independent bottlings from Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory and Douglas Laing have raised the distillery's profile among the cognoscenti and an increased and much improved distillery-bottled range have paved the way for a very bright future for the brand indeed.

Indulge in the rich, distinct taste of Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021. Distinctively sourced from the verdant landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Tullibardine expertly tends to its whisky. The handpicked grain, pure Highland spring water, and the masterful ageing in first fill barrels create an unmatched single malt scotch.

This 2021 vintage is a marvel, showcasing the superior craftsmanship of Tullibardine Distillery. Matured in cask number 54, the first fill barrel lends an intenseness to the flavour profile. A rich concerto of chocolate, honey, and citrus undertones surface, with a fine hint of oak. Savour each sip; the finishing is long, warm, and velvety.

Commanding reverence amongst whisky aficionados, the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021 embellishes every occasion with an air of sophistication.

The indulgence of a sophisticated palate beckons with the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021. This captivating spirit roots deep into Scotland's highlands, at the distinguished Tullibardine Distillery. Known for their craftsmanship and traditional methods, Tullibardine carefully distills their malts in copper pot stills, ensuring an unmatched purity. The 2021 cask emphasises a meticulous process of ageing in a first-fill barrel, giving it a rich, luxurious character. An artistic choreography of vanilla, honey, and enticing oak symphony delights the senses. The palette showcases a beautiful persistence, with layers of spice, orchard fruits and a hint of cocoa.
Defined by its deep golden hue and abundant complexity, Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021 indeed reflects the mastery of Scottish whisky-making.

Whisky Advocate (93)

Whisky Advocate (93)