Whisky Review/Tasting: Bladnoch Conn. 20J-1993/2014

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Bladnoch Distillery, Scottish Lowlands.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in refill American hogsheads. These hogsheads are made from dismantled American ex-bourbon casks, refabricated in Scotland to a slightly larger size. This particular whisky was matured for 20 or 21 years.
Age Statement: 20 or 21 years.
Color and Clarity: Golden, uncolored, and unchill-filtered.
Bottle Design: The newer bottles are described as rectangular and more fancy compared to the classic ones.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced, smooth, and elegant with a significant spiciness and intensity of oak without bitterness in the aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its tropical fruit cocktail aroma, including pineapple, papaya, and mango, with a palate that starts peppery and evolves into peach and kiwi flavors. The aftertaste shifts from tropical to more common fruits, with a long finish where vanilla notes can emerge.
Comparison: This whisky stands out in the Lowland category for its intensity and spiciness, contrasting with the typical smoothness and elegance associated with Lowland whiskies.

Distillery History: Bladnoch Distillery has a tumultuous history, including closures and ownership changes. Notably, it was closed in 1993, sold, and then reopened with the original pot stills reacquired and reinstalled. The distillery has changed hands multiple times, with the latest owner aiming to revive it for its 200th anniversary in 2017.
Production Anecdotes: The distillery's capacity to produce up to 200,000 liters of raw spirit per year under new ownership and the transition to fancier bottle designs under Australian owner David Pryor.

Lowland Distilleries: Bladnoch is one of the few remaining Lowland distilleries, a region often overlooked by whisky enthusiasts for its typically smooth and less intense whiskies. This whisky challenges those perceptions with its robust flavor profile.

"Tropical fruits. Pineapples for Alaska." - Highlighting the whisky's unique tropical aroma.
"A big hit of spiciness, really intense, no sharpness, it's spiciness." - Describing the whisky's distinct palate.
"So the lowlands are known for the smoothness and the elegance and well no intensity and this one is hefty." - Contrasting this whisky with typical Lowland profiles.

Bladnoch Conn. 20J-1993/2014 is a 20 or 21-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from the Scottish Lowlands, matured in refill American hogsheads.
It features a unique flavor profile with a tropical fruit aroma, a spicy and peppery palate with peach and kiwi flavors, and a long finish with vanilla notes.
The whisky's history is marked by the distillery's closures, ownership changes, and revival efforts, making it a symbol of resilience and innovation.
Despite being from a region known for smooth and elegant whiskies, this Bladnoch expression stands out for its intensity and spiciness, challenging common perceptions of Lowland whiskies.

For the Adventurous Drinker: This whisky's unique tropical fruit profile and unexpected intensity from a Lowland distillery make it an exciting choice.
For the Collector: Given its backstory, limited production, and significance as one of the last vintages before the distillery's closure in 1993, it's a must-have.
For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complex flavor profile, long maturation, and the craftsmanship involved in its production offer a rich tasting experience.