Bladnoch Distillery Launches Brand New Peated Collection of Lowland Whiskies

With Fire Comes Smoke

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY, SCOTLAND – Bladnoch Distillery, the historic 206-year-old ‘Queen of the Lowlands’, are delighted to announce their new Peated Collection, a celebration of Bladnoch’s innovation and approach to whisky making. This year, Alinta (previously the only peated expression by Bladnoch) is joined by 4 new peated whiskies to create a collection for those who love a dram with some fire.

Alinta, derived from indigenous Australian languages, evokes images of “fire” and “flames” and was the first peated whisky to be added to the Bladnoch range since the distillery was taken over by David Prior in 2015. Alinta is uniquely crafted using a combination of PX Sherry and ex-bourbon casks and evokes the notes of campfire embers found in each sip, completely different to anything that had previously been released by Bladnoch Distillery, and not particularly emblematic of the typical Lowlands style of whisky.

Joining Alinta to create Bladnoch’s Peated Collection are four new whiskies made with peated barley: Alinta Reserve, and the three Single Casks, each showcasing distinct flavours and characteristics. Dr. Nick Savage, Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, hand selects each cask, ensuring only the highest quality and most unique casks make it into this exclusive collection.

Speaking about this collection, Dr. Savage commented, “The Bladnoch Peated Collection has been inspired by our 2009 stocks, which are uniquely 100% peated. Lowland single malt is not traditionally peated, however, the launch of Alinta had such an amazing reception from everyone. I wanted to extend this limited but unique peated section in our portfolio for those who enjoy the smoky styles of Bladnoch. Our peated collection is an annual celebration of the extremely unique and rare 2009 stocks at Bladnoch.”

The Alinta Reserve, a limited batch release of only 2,000 bottles, will be selected annually by Dr. Nick Savage. For the inaugural 2023 batch, 100% first-fill Amontillado Sherry Hogshead casks were chosen, providing a well-balanced experience of smoky campfire and white chocolate.

The Peated Collection Single Casks are created using Bladnoch’s 2009 maturing stocks, which are exclusively 100% peated and exceptionally rare. Each year, Dr. Nick Savage will access these exceptional 2009 stocks to select and release three single casks, showcasing the rarity, scarcity, and uniqueness of Bladnoch’s peated history. For the three single casks of the first Peated Collection Dr. Nick Savage has selected Rum, Bourbon, and Sherry Hogshead casks.

The Sherry Hogshead expression packs a punchy ABV of 58.3% and is limited to just 262 bottles. The nose of this whisky is reminiscent of polished oak with nuances of nutmeg and dates. On the palate, you’ll discover bonfire smoke along with plum jam and the finish leaves you with the comforting taste of a Bonfire Christmas cake, a truly exceptional and indulgent experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of Bladnoch’s Peated Collection.

Next in the Single Cask line-up is the 2009 Rum Cask edition of the Peated Collection where there are 248 bottles available. Here, the nose introduces notes of sugar cane, enriched with a floral and herbal body, setting the stage for an extraordinary tasting experience. As you explore the palate, you’ll uncover the flavours of marshmallows on a campfire combined with apple pie. The finish is subtly dry, offering a delightful mouthfeel with the lingering sweetness of smoke.

Finally, the 2009 Bourbon Barrel is a celebration of rich, smoky flavours that will delight the senses and this Single Cask expression is limited to 231 bottles. The nose reveals notes of smoky vanilla custard and on the palate, you’ll find toasted vanilla pods with the warmth of sandalwood. The finish is a perfect blend of sweetness and smoky warmth.

Each of the Bladnoch Peated Collection whiskies, as with all Bladnoch’s whiskies, are created without chill-filtration and with natural colour. Alinta Reserve will be available through markets including the UK, Germany, Taiwan, Australia and Korea; The Bladnoch Peated Single Casks will be available in the UK only through Bladnoch’s website. 

The Peated Collection will be available to purchase online from Monday 23^rd October: https://uk.bladnoch.com/pages/the-peated-collection

Link to images here.

Tasting Notes

Bladnoch Alinta

ABV: 47%

Nose: Smoky ice cream, delicate floral with sweet oak

Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds, raisins with a white chocolate body

Finish: Long with a sweet smoke

RRP: £80

Bladnoch Alinta Reserve

ABV: 46.7%

Nose: Walnuts with smoky dried apricots

Palate: Smokey white chocolate buttons with walnuts and hints of herbal pinecones

Finish: Sweet with delicate smoke warmth

RRP: £120

Bladnoch 2009 Sherry Hogshead

ABV: 58.3%

Cask number: 53

Nose: Polished oak with nutmeg and dates

Palate: Bonfire smoke with plum jam

Finish: Bonfire Christmas cake

RRP: £200

Bladnoch 2009 Rum Cask

ABV: 54.1%

Cask number: 2009003

Nose: Sugar cane with a floral and herbal body

Palate: Campfire marshmallows with apple pie

Finish: Slightly dry mouthfeel with sweet smokiness

RRP: £200

Bladnoch 2009 Bourbon Barrel

ABV: 55.9%

Cask number: 63

Nose: Smoky vanilla custard

Palate: Toasted vanilla pods with sandalwood

Finish: Sweet with smoky warmth

RRP: £200

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately-owned Scotch Whisky Distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, it is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’ Hand crafted using only the finest local ingredients such as the pristine water from the River Bladnoch that flows alongside the distillery and British barley to create a rich, flavourful whisky that is best savoured. Bladnoch Single Malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived by Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage, formerly at The Macallan, and owner David Prior, a whisky connoisseur who is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch Whisky distillery. Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in the iconic distillery.

For more information and the latest on their range of award-winning single malts, visit www.bladnoch.com