Unveiling Samhla: Bladnoch’s Legacy Through Single Malts
The Samhla Collection: A Rare Series of Single Malt Whiskies
The time-honoured whisky distillery of Scotland, Bladnoch, has announced The Samhla Collection, a highly exclusive series of single malt whiskies. “Samhla”, a word with its roots in Scots Gaelic, implying ‘symbol’ or ‘representation’, encompasses a set of incredibly rare single malt whiskies that reflect the three-era legacy of Bladnoch.
The McClelland: Distilled in 1966
The collection features three distinct eras: The McClelland, a whisky distilled in 1966, with a scarce availability of just 15 bottles.
The Prior: Distilled in 1990
The Prior, distilled in 1990 and restricted to 50 bottles.
The Sage: Distilled in 2008
The Sage, distilled in 2008 and limited to 100 bottles.
Bladnoch Distillery, with its rich history that extends back over two centuries, was revitalized in 2015 by David Prior. The Samhla Collection is designed to commemorate the ‘genuine human connections that have moulded Bladnoch’s inheritance’.
“To uphold and foster Bladnoch’s heritage is a profound privilege, embodying the safeguarding of a legacy that has stood the test of time,” remarked Prior. “As a testament to the extraordinary journey that Bladnoch has been on, The Samhla Collection stands as a shining example. It’s an honour to ensure its continuity, and to be the bearer of tradition, innovation, and excellence for forthcoming generations.”
The Oldest Release to Date: The 1966 Whisky
Reflecting the distillery’s past and honouring its origins, the 1966 whisky is the oldest release from Bladnoch to date. This whisky, known for its delicate yet intricate nature, matured in an American oak cask. It offers a mild and nuanced nose with fresh green apples, freshly cut grass and forest fragrances, with orange peel, chocolate, a touch of mint leaves, and polished oak on the palate.
Symbolizing Bladnoch’s Present: The 1990 Vintage
The 1990 vintage, symbolizing Bladnoch’s present, was distilled the same year Prior initiated his entrepreneurial journey, and is believed to represent his vision and leadership in rejuvenating the distillery as the community’s centerpiece. Its scent is rich with licorice sticks, dried apricots, and dark dates, while it concludes with a long, viscous, slightly peppery finish.
Dedication to Eco-Friendly Whisky Production: The Sage
Lastly, The Sage was distilled in 2008 – the year Sage, Prior’s daughter, came into the world. Extracted from two American oak red wine hogsheads, this blend showcases Bladnoch’s dedication to eco-friendly whisky production, and its commitment to store innovative, top-quality casks in its warehouses to eventually pass on a ‘treasure chest’ of whisky to the future generation. It has been described as having a flavour profile of black cherries combined with strawberry jam and a hint of cracked black pepper.
Prior stated: “In recent times, we have seen a remarkable increase in the admiration and demand for rare whiskies, with collectors and aficionados acknowledging their intrinsic worth as both liquid assets and cultural relics. These exceptional expressions, meticulously crafted over years, encapsulate the essence of craftsmanship, history, and exclusivity that discerning investors are after.”
