Bladnoch Distillery unveils Chapter Two of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch – a tale of reconnection and discovery

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned distillery has released Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two, the second instalment in a limited-edition series of single malt whiskies, celebrating and selected by individuals who have a deep affinity with the distillery.

Loch Maberry is the source of the River Bladnoch, which provides the water that has sustained the distillery since it was founded in 1817. The name of the series acknowledges the significance of those who most appreciate Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit, and the role they play in keeping the distillery in flow.

Chapter Two highlights Bladnoch’s historical significance, revealing a tale of reconnection with Elizabeth Cobbett, the great-great-granddaughter of Thomas McClelland, who with his older brother John, founded the distillery at Bladnoch over 200 years ago. Through her Scottish adventure, Elizabeth discovered there is a whisky for everyone.

Elizabeth always knew her family had once run Bladnoch Distillery and a brief visit in the 1990s while in Dumfries and Galloway was enough to satisfy her curiosity at the time, until 20 years later, after her parents’ passing, she uncovered photographs in their attic.

Delving into her family history, Elizabeth discovered her grandmother, Margaret Tyrer (née McClelland), had been born in 1882 near the distillery, where the McClelland family earned their living before moving to Liverpool at the turn of the century when Bladnoch was sold.

Over the years, Elizabeth followed Bladnoch’s revival online, where maps and photographs showed the old stone buildings on the river restored, while the distillery’s website gave her a way to stay connected through its newsletter. When Bladnoch invited people to share their stories, Elizabeth responded which led to her return visit to meet master distiller Dr Nick Savage to help select a cask for Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two. 

Guided by Nick, Elizabeth nosed and tasted a selection of samples before choosing Cask 450/2006. Distilled in 2006 and matured in a sherry butt cask, the expression displays notes of coffee, chocolate and almonds and delivers a very long, nutty almond finish.

Elizabeth Cobbett said: “I feel privileged to have been chosen to share my story and select a cask at Bladnoch. Despite my heritage, before my Scottish adventure to the distillery, I knew very little about whisky and have never felt it was for me. My wonderful day at Bladnoch changed that. I discovered the skill of master blender, Dr Nick Savage, the alchemy, and the subtlety involved in making whisky and learned to truly appreciate a glass of the ‘water of life’. 

“I’m certain Thomas and John McClelland would be proud to see their distillery revived, blending tradition with innovation and a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication. They would be happy it is now in safe hands, and so am I.” 

Dr Nick Savage added: “When we share Stories of Bladnoch, we celebrate history, adventure, and community, and Elizabeth’s story captures all of this. Her 20-year journey reconnecting with the distillery her great-great-grandfather co-founded shows that, like whisky, connections take time and patience to mature. From initial uncertainty to writing her own tasting notes, her experience reminds us why we make whisky.  

“Under our new ownership, Bladnoch has been reimagined over the past decade, and it’s inspiring to see Elizabeth so pleased with the legacy we continue and that we’re doing things those before us would be proud of.” 

Chapter Two follows the 2024 release of the inaugural expression, which paid tribute to Mr Arnold, a lifelong admirer of Bladnoch whose passion reflects the dedication of the distillery’s skilled team. Mr Arnold first discovered Bladnoch while living near the distillery in Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway, and after experiencing its whiskies and learning about the craft behind them, he became a devoted visitor and advocate of the distillery and its people.

Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by David Prior, who purchased the distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

With an ABV of 48.6%, Chapter Two of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch has a natural colour and is non-chill filtered. It is encased in a presentation box which also contains letters from Elizabeth and Dr Nick Savage describing their experiences of collaborating to craft the whisky. With an RRSP of £150, it is available to purchase from Bladnoch.com.

Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two will be revealed at Bold Spirit: Tales of Galloway on Thursday, 2 October. This unique storytelling evening will highlight the bold Galloway spirit embodied by both Bladnoch and the region itself, as part of the distillery’s partnership with the 27th annual Wigtown Book Festival. The ten-day literary celebration, taking place in Scotland’s National Book Town, is also home to Bladnoch’s storied 208-year-old distillery, making it the perfect setting for this next chapter to unfold.

For more information about Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two, please visit HERE

Tasting notes

Coffee. Chocolate. Almonds.

Nose: Coffee creams with dark chocolate.

Palate: Peaches, apricot jam and coffee beans.

Finish: Very long with nutty almonds.

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, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

Faultline 19 Year Old Single Barrel #2 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$350.00

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David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer | Review Date: 10/2025

Finding these four barrels of old MGP was such an exhilarating experience. We’ve been trying to revive the original Faultline Bourbon for some time but had trouble finding the right components. Just as those components became available in this new market, these four barrels crossed my desk. It felt like a sign, FAULTLINE is back! Each of these four barrels is distinct from the next. I can’t say why or how they were aged or what makes them different, except barrel #3, which shows a clear French oak influence. Barrel #2, which we have here today, is an extremely classic example of old MGP. The 21% rye mashbill ages beautifully, and this barrel is no exception. Among the very few ultra-aged MGPs on the market today, the closest regularly released product is the Redemption 18 Year, but this single barrel clocks in 20 proof points higher. That whiskey is a blend of both mashbills, like the original Faultline 100 proof, but it sold out entirely and now trades for many multiples of its $400 release price. In any case, I’m fairly confident these single barrels are the best deal on old MGP bourbon on the market today, bar none (and don’t confuse this with the old light whiskies you sometimes see from MGP). Let’s taste it and see what all the hype is about. The color is a deep, revelatory shade of burnt umber (1.7).

The nose is alluring and explosive, offering dense dark cacao, sweet red cherry, brambly black fruit, wild exotic herbs, and tobacco. As it aerates, it builds beautifully around the dark red fruit and roasted herbal character, and yes, there’s some dill. On the first sip, the tension is almost unnerving, with huge juicy red fruit up front and powerful cinnamon and clove tingling the mid-palate, yet no harsh tannin tearing at the sides of the mouth. It’s extremely well integrated and adds deep, rich herbal and savory notes on the finish, which is long and satisfying. I find this whisky truly delicious, and while it might not tear you apart like some very old tannic American whiskies, it’s absolutely not lacking in flavor. Let’s hope more of this is still hidden away somewhere.

The triumphant return of Faultline Bourbon in the classic cracked sidewalk label is like some sort of fever dream come true. Imagine if we’d taken some of the original 7 year old component that was used in our exceptionally regarded original Faultline Bourbon and were thoughtful enough to set aside several barrels for future use. Now imagine that we had cared for those barrels with extreme loving care over the last two decades. Now simply imagine that we’d taken those barrels and bottled them at full cask strength after nearly 20 years new charred American oak barrels. Can you just imagine that? We’re not saying that’s what we did because its not, but what if we had? The original K&L Faultline Bourbon was released in 2013 a proprietary blend of 7 and 10 year old MGP bourbons.

This delicious barrel of bourbon was distilled in 2006 and aged with extreme care over two decades of meticulous supervision. It represents a singular expression of American whisky that is simply not a staple of the current apparatus. We hope one day it will be, but for now it remains just a fleeting dream. We’ve secured four individual casks of this incredible whisky. This is the 2nd release of these spectacular stocks, the first having sold out almost immediately. 75% corn 21% rye 4% malted.

Four New Rare Releases

Douglas Laing is proud to present four new treasures in our Private Stock Collection – each aged 20 years or over.

From Islay’s smoky shores to Speyside’s rich elegance, these rare Whiskies have been hand-selected from some of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries:

Bowmore Single Malt – a true Islay icon, full of maritime smoke and tropical fruit.

Macallan Single Malt – Speyside prestige with decadent Sherry character.

Islay Blended Malt – a marriage of peated Malts delivering waves of sea spray and bonfire smoke.

Speyside Blended Malt – luscious, cocoa sweetness and soft spice.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 10 Year Old “Fool In The Rain” K&L Exclusive Private Barrel #7009466 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L)

$69.99

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Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

THE DISTILLERY AT COLEBURN LAUNCHES FIRST BATCH OF

LOCAL HEROS WHISKIES

 In the heart of whisky country, where tradition meets innovation, a new wave of bottlings is set to celebrate the spirit of collaboration and community.

The Distillery at Coleburn has unveiled its first collection of whisky bottlings, marking a new chapter in the revival of one of Speyside’s historic sleeping distilleries. The “Local Heros” collection brings some of the world’s most exceptional whiskies under a single vision: celebrating the whisky community itself – the makers, the custodians, and the enthusiasts, past and present – whose passion and craft continue to connect local traditions with a global spirit of unity.

Every bottle captures a chapter in Scotch whisky’s evolving story, showcasing the character and craftsmanship of a different distillery or blend and each release will celebrate the people, distilleries, and landscapes that have shaped something truly extraordinary in the history of the industry. Through carefully curated small-batch expressions, Local Heros pays tribute to the whisky community’s rich heritage, where shared expertise and time-honoured methods come together to deliver a taste of place.

The inaugural launch introduces three blended malts designed as a gateway into the ongoing Local Heros collection, the Distillery at Coleburn and the long-term plan to create a Whisky Resort. Bottled at the distillery’s historic site in Speyside, the core trilogy comprises ‘Sweet Peat’, ‘Big Smoke’ and ‘Sherry Bomb’, each with its own distinct flavour profile.

Keith Cruickshank, Master Distiller at Coleburn, said:

“Local Heros is about more than whisky; it is about the people and the landscapes that have created something extraordinary. From the craftspeople who keep traditions alive, to the communities that have shaped Scotland’s whisky story, this collection is a celebration of collaboration, legacy and place. With Sweet Peat, Big Smoke and Sherry Bomb, we wanted to create whiskies that are approachable yet full of character, welcoming drinkers into Coleburn’s new chapter.”

Sherry Bomb is a rich whisky from Oloroso and refill casks, with aromas of spice, honey, red apple and cinnamon over toasted malt. The palate brings dried fruit, hazelnut and stewed plums, with a smooth, fruity and elegant finish.

Sweet Peat provides a gentle introduction to smoky whisky, combining caramel, vanilla and plum pudding on the nose with honey, pear drops and banana on the palate. Balanced by light smoke and tobacco, it finishes with long, sweet and smoky flavours.

Big Smoke is the boldest expression in the first phase of the Local Heros collection, opening with cherry, vanilla, lemon and coastal notes. Medicinal smoke, banana and sea salt define the palate, leading to a lingering, smoky finish.

The name Local Heros is inspired by the people who have helped shape Scotland’s whisky history – the individuals and communities who keep traditions alive. However, it also nods to a personal story from co-owners of the distillery site, Mark and Dale Winchester, who made a brief appearance in the hit 1983 film Local Hero, filmed in locations across Scotland.

Mark Winchester, co-owner of Coleburn added:

“The name Local Heros resonates with us personally. Back in 1983, Dale and I had the privilege of recording the soundtrack and appearing in the film Local Hero which was a profound personal moment for us as we experienced in a surreal way what Scotland and indeed whisky means to the world, a strong identity and community spirit, storytelling and togetherness and of course pride and celebration.  

“These are the values that we want to convey in the spirit collection that now carries the Local Hero name celebrating the people and places that have and continue to shape every dram. We invite you to raise a glass to one community, forged and shaped by so many.”

The release of Local Heros Batch 1 follows the appointment of esteemed master distiller, Keith Cruickshank and specialists in sustainable distilleries, Organic Architects, to design and complete the build of the Distillery at Coleburn.

Local Heros Batch 1 is now available, with bottles retailing from £50 to £55. To purchase please visit www.thewhiskyresort.com, www.localheros.shop or Amazon.

Our new flavour profiles represent an evolution of the twelve profiles that have guided members since 2012. And as of today, you can be the first to try all eight. Our Infinite Flavour bundle includes eight whiskies, one from each flavour profile.

BUY NOW FOR £535

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

THREE LANDMARK RELEASES FROM CHICHIBU

Unveiling the latest masterpieces from Japan’s acclaimed Chichibu distillery: the long-awaited Chichibu Distillery II, the refined London Edition 2025, and the landmark 10 Year Old.

CHICHIBU LONDON EDITION 2025

The eagerly awaited London Edition 2025 from Japan’s Chichibu distillery is a vatting of ten ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. Expect mandarin, ginger, and vanilla on the nose, with candied citrus, dark chocolate, and brown sugar on the palate, leading to a finish of dried fruits and baking spice.

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CHICHIBU 10 YEAR OLD

Chichibu’s 10 year old release was matured in a mix of casks and opens with orchard fruits, honey and vanilla on the nose. The palate carries sweet fruit layered with cinnamon, clove and maple syrup, leading to a long finish of lingering warmth and balanced fruit.

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CHICHIBU DISTILLERY II

Chichibu Distillery II is matured primarily in bourbon barrels, offering an expressive character from Chichibu’s second distillery. It opens with sweet vanilla, pineapple candy and pear, leading to honeyed richness, apple pie and custard cream, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

  SHOP NOW 

Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700ml)(European Import)

$195.00

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The rare Blanton’s Gold has become beloved by connoisseurs and collectors world wide. The ultimate single barrel bourbon and founder of the category, Blanton’s has become one of the most asked for and hardest to obtain bourbons on the market today. We’ve found some limited stocks of European-bound product that would otherwise have not been available. The famous “Gold” Blanton’s is so named for its unique golden horse and golden writing. Bottled at a perfect 103 proof, the Blanton’s Gold ups the complexity considerably from the standard release without the heat that the Straight From the Barrel offers. This is the perfect whiskey to offer nearly any bourbon lover if you’re looking for a special bottle that they’ve never had. It’s a true Kentucky benchmark and should be considered one of the truly great whiskies on the market today.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Laphroaig 38 Year Old “Archive” Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $3,900.00 View

Laphroaig’s Archive Collection continues with this extraordinary 38 year old Islay single malt, distilled in 1985 and bottled in 2023, with just 400 bottles released globally. Matured first in ex bourbon American oak and finished in second fill Oloroso seasoned European oak, this expression reveals a new dimension of the distillery’s signature style.

The nose opens with vibrant citrus oil and dried apricot, backed by gentle sea spray and warm oak spice.

On the palate, sultana, salted caramel, and crystallized ginger develop across a silky texture, with fruit and wood in perfect harmony. Time has mellowed the classic iodine driven peat, allowing the deep complexity of long oak aging and fruit to take center stage.

The finish brings it all home with roasted nuts, dried fruit, and a soft echo of maritime smoke.

This is Laphroaig at its most elegant and composed, a quiet masterclass in balance, patience, and layered flavor. Overseen by seven distillery managers over nearly four decades, this bottling reflects a rare continuity of vision and craft. A true collector’s gem and a connoisseur’s dream pour, this is one of the oldest official distillery releases ever offered and a unique glimpse into the evolution of one of Islay’s most iconic producers.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA