A NEW ultra-rare collection of whiskies has been launched by Bladnoch Distillery, the oldest privately-owned Scotch Whisky Distillery in the Lowlands.
The Samhla Collection – named after the Scots Gaelic word meaning ‘symbol’ or ‘likeness’ – is a family of single malt whiskies embodying three generations of Bladnoch’s history, with vintages from 1966, 1990, and 2008.
With a storied history dating back over 200 years, Bladnoch was brought back to life in 2015 by entrepreneur David Prior, and the Samhla Collection serves as a tribute to the ‘authentic human relationships’ that have helped shine new light on Lowlands whisky.
With collectors very much in mind, the new bottlings are led by The McClelland, which was distilled in 1966, and is limited to only 15 bottles; followed by The Prior, distilled in 1990, limited to 50 bottles; and The Sage, distilled in 2008, limited to 100 bottles.
“To preserve and nurture Bladnoch’s heritage is a profound honour, it symbolises the preservation of a legacy that has weathered the test of time,” said David. “The Samhla Collection stands as a tribute to the remarkable journey Bladnoch has undertaken. It is a privilege to ensure its continued existence, and to carry the torch of tradition, innovation, and excellence for generations yet to come.”
As the oldest release ever from Bladnoch, The McClelland 1966 represents the distillery’s past, telling a story of a different era. Described as ‘delicate yet complex’, it was matured in an American Oak cask, and evokes images of the McClelland brothers, John and Thomas, strolling along the distillery’s lade as many generations have done since.
The Prior 1990 vintage, representing Bladnoch’s present, is drawn from a Pedro Ximénez Spanish Oak Butt, and was distilled in the same year Mr Prior began his entrepreneurial journey, celebrating the restoration of the distillery as the heart of the local community.
Representing the future, The Sage is whisky drawn from two American Oak Red Wine Hogsheads, distilled in 2008—the year David Prior’s daughter, Sage, was born – symbolising Bladnoch’s commitment to sustainable whisky production for generations to come.
“The Samhla Collection brings to mind two quotes that truly capture its essence,” commented Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, Dr. Nick Savage. “Isaac Newton’s words, ‘If I have seen further, it is only because I stand upon the shoulders of giants,’ encompasses the respect we have for our inheritance and the continuation of the story.
“And when we consider the future and how we hand down our legacy, the famous quote, ‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees, the shade of which we will never sit,’ perfectly captures the reason we make our whiskies at Bladnoch by protecting and nurturing our whiskies during our custodianship.”
David added: “In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in the appreciation and demand for rare whiskies, with collectors and enthusiasts recognising their inherent value as both liquid assets and cultural artifacts. These extraordinary expressions, carefully crafted over time, embody the essence of craftsmanship, history, and exclusivity that discerning investors seek.”
