Bladnoch 16 years old Single Lowland Malt Whisky 70 cl 46%

Sixteen years is a long time for a Lowland malt. The light style, normally bottled young and fresh, is allowed to settle here, and that changes the whole balance in the glass.

Expert description

Bladnoch 16 Years is a Single Lowland Malt Whisky bottled at 46%.

This is a distillery bottling from Bladnoch in Galloway, Scotland's southernmost distillery, founded in 1817. The 46% is chosen over the classic 40%, which gives more body and a clearer cask profile without losing the pale character of the spirit.

Bladnoch has been through several periods of closure in its history, so high-age bottlings come from limited stocks. That makes the age-stated releases a different proposition from the younger, named bottles in the range.

Tasting notes

Nose

Honey and baked apple, with pale oak, vanilla and a trace of dried hay in the background.

Palate

Round and malty with grain, soft caramel and a point of white pepper. The 46% carries more weight than a classic Lowland bottling.

Finish

Medium and dry with oak, lemon peel and a last grainy sweetness.

Specifications

Name: Bladnoch 16 Years Single Lowland Malt Whisky 70 cl 46%
Distillery: Bladnoch
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Lowland Malt Whisky
Age: 16 years
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL

Flavour profile

Malty · Honeyed · Fresh · Lightly spiced · Oaky

Investment potential

Medium. Age-stated Bladnoch bottlings are limited by the distillery's periods of closure, and the supply of older bottles keeps falling.

Did you know?

Bladnoch was for a time owned by two Northern Irish brothers who originally bought the site to build holiday homes on the land. The sale came with a condition that no distilling take place — a term they later renegotiated.

See our full range of Bladnoch

Frequently asked questions about Bladnoch 16 Years Single Lowland Malt Whisky 70 cl 46%

Why is it bottled at 46% rather than 40%?

46% is a common strength for bottlings that aim to keep more aroma and body. Below roughly 46%, whisky is often chill filtered to avoid haze, and that filtration removes flavour compounds.

Is 16 years a lot for a Lowland whisky?

Relatively, yes. The light Lowland style is traditionally bottled younger, because the spirit does not carry the same weight against the cask. Sixteen years therefore calls for casks that do not drown the whisky.

Is it worth the money?

The age and the distillery's history of repeated closures are what carry the bottle. There are simply limited volumes of Bladnoch from certain periods, and that places the older bottlings in a different category from the core range.

Does it taste like a Speyside or Highland malt?

No. The Lowland style is lighter, more floral and grainy, where Speyside is typically fruitier and Highland more robust. See the full range of Scottish styles under Scotch Whisky.

Should I add water?

Try it neat first. At 46% it is ready to drink, but a couple of drops can open the lighter floral notes that otherwise hide behind the cask.

How should I store it?

Upright, dark and cool. Sunlight bleaches both label and contents, and a bottle lying on its side risks having the cork damaged by the alcohol.