Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, is kicking off a new limited-edition series called Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, with the first release — Chapter 1 — handpicked by someone with a deep love for their whisky. This series will feature the stories and cask selections of folks who’ve developed a real connection with Bladnoch over the years.
Loch Maberry is the source of the River Bladnoch, the water that’s kept the distillery running since it opened in 1817. The name pays tribute to those who appreciate Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit and their role in keeping the whisky world turning.
Chapter 1 spotlights Mr Arnold, a long-time admirer whose enthusiasm for Bladnoch’s whisky and heritage embodies the spirit of the distillery’s team. His chapter marks the beginning of the process for selecting the next individual in Chapter 2, which Bladnoch will open up through their website.
Mr Arnold first crossed paths with Bladnoch while living in Garlieston, not far from the distillery, in the Dumfries and Galloway region. His curiosity about single malt whisky brought him to the distillery’s door, where he fell in love with their meticulously crafted whiskies and the time-honoured skills behind them. He soon became a regular visitor and a big fan of the people making the magic happen.
In recognition of his long-standing appreciation, Master Distiller Dr Nick Savage invited Mr Arnold to become the first extended member of the Bladnoch family to select a cask for bottling. Together, they explored several samples before Mr. Arnold settled on Cask 89, which had been distilled in 2008 and aged in a first-fill CalifMrian red wine hogshead. The result? A whisky with notes of fruity blackcurrant jam, ginger, herbs, and a sweet, warming finish.
“It is an honour to be the story of Chapter 1,” reflected Mr Arnold. “Spending time with Dr Nick Savage, the Master Distiller, and learning about the process of cask selection was remarkable. His focus is on taste first, and I admire that.
“The sweet and warming flavours of the whisky we chose tell the story of my Bladnoch journey, and how welcome I have always felt at the distillery. Its richness reflects how my Bladnoch experiences have enhanced my life.”
Dr Nick Savage added: “Helping Mr Arnold to explore our casks and find the right one to capture his Bladnoch adventure was incredibly rewarding and an experience I will never forget.
“As we blind-tasted and compared samples, it was a joy to see whisky making through his eyes and interpret what Bladnoch means to him. I look forward to selecting our next supporter for Chapter 2 of this unique series.”
Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch is bottled at a cask strength ABV of 56.7%, with a natural bronze oak colour and no chill filtration. It’s presented in a box that includes letters from Mr. Arnold and Dr. Nick reflecting on their collaboration.
Priced at £150
, this limited-edition release is available through Bladnoch.com in the UK. And if you’ve got your own Bladnoch story to share, you could be next in line for Chapter 2. Full details on how to apply can be found on their website.
Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch Tasting Notes
I tried a 50ml sample of the new expression, which is just enough to get to grips with the whisky, if not quite enough to delve deep and get a thorough understanding. Still, it’s enough to jump to an initial judgment.
On the nose, the whisky opens with a rich aroma of dark blackcurrant jam mingling with the earthy scent of fir cones and a bit of zesty citrus brightness. A hint of dark chocolate rounds it out.
The palate is equally inviting, with flavours of strawberries and cream that are as soft and comforting as a summer dessert. Ginger-covered dark chocolates add a spicy, warming kick. The finish is sweet and sticky, lingering on the tongue with a calming warmth that gently fades, leaving a lasting impression of indulgence.
