Wintergreen

Bladnoch Vinaya

Bladnoch distillery was founded in 1817 and, located along the River Bladnoch, is the most southerly distillery in Scotland. It is the fourth-oldest distillery in Scotland and, owned by Australian businessman David Prior starting in 2015, is the oldest independently owned one. The distillery produces for two brands; one the main Bladnoch brand and the other called Pure Scot. Their current master distiller is Dr. Nick Savage, and they have been producing whiskies from a mix of new and aged stock since the brand’s relaunch in 2017. The Bladnoch Vinaya is matured from a mix of first-fill bourbon casks and first-fill sherry casks. Vinaya is a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, and is meant as a warm acknowledgement to the distillery’s founders.

By Adam | September 5, 2023 | Lowland | No Comments |

The island of Tasmania has a history of whisky making yet there was a 150 year gap because of old 19th century laws that went unchallenged until Bill Lark founded Lark Distillery in 1992. Since then, Lark has been producing whisky and liqueurs. The distillery was the first in Australia to become carbon neutral in 2021 and while originally started in the Tasmanian capital, Hobart, production has recently moved to a new distillery in nearby Pontville. Before their portfolio expanded, the American market would only receive limited single barrel expressions, such as this Lark Single Malt bottled at 86 proof. Other expressions are different individual barrels at slightly differing proofages but remain the same base spirit. This particular barrel was aged in a small cask that formerly held Australian port.

By Adam | August 20, 2023 | Foreign | No Comments |

Glen Grant was founded by James and John Grant, two brothers who had previously made whisky illegally but were finally granted a license in 1840. The Grant family had a number of successful generations that followed to expand the business and even though primary ownership eventually passed out of the family, they still maintain a stake in the company. The Campari Group owns the distillery now and it is one of largest selling single malts in the world, with an annual output of 5.9 million liters. Four tall, slender pot stills create a core line of six single malts – though a good deal also goes into Chivas blends – that features 5 age expressions, including this Glen Grant 15, that range from 10 to 21 years old.

By Adam | July 30, 2023 | Speyside | No Comments |