Bladnoch Samsara

Founded in 1817, Bladnoch was once known as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands’, but hasn’t had an easy history. Closed between 1938 and 1956, then closed again in 1993 (nearly becoming holiday homes), production resumed between 2000 and 2014 before trouble hit once more. David Prior purchased Bladnoch the following year and began two years of renovations under the guidance of Ian Macmillan, former Burn Stewart (Bunnahahbhain, Deanston & Tobermory) master distiller and master blender. With the place back up and running Prior next turned to Nick Savage (former Macallan master distiller) to continue the good work.

Back in 2021 we featured their new Vinaya release. It was Samsara (meaning ‘rebirth’) that was actually their first release after reopening in 2017 however, matured in bourbon and Californian red wine casks and still very much part of the range.