Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost whisky distillery, has unveiled The Wave, the second phase of its Master Distiller’s Collection, which launched with The Waterfall series.
The Wave is a five-part limited-edition series which demonstrates the marrying process of whisky casks and commences with Wave I: Time & Maturation
The new expression epitomises Bladnoch’s method of selecting casks at the peak time in their maturation process to ensure optimal flavours in the whisky.
For its production, master distiller Nick Savage selected five 1,500 litre Amontillado sherry tuns. Each tun was filled with whiskies from various combinations of cask types from the distillery’s warehouses. Each year the cask types will be revealed and the remaining whisky decanted into the following year’s tun, creating a common thread and wave effect throughout the series, with the fifth and final release featuring components from the full collection.
The first sherry tun used to craft Wave I: Time & Maturation was filled with a combination of ex-bourbon casks from Bladnoch’s maturing stocks and married with the remaining whisky from the last edition of the Waterfall Series.
Master distiller Nick Savage said: “We only ever select a cask when the time is right, not because it’s old or has reached a certain age. That right ‘time’ is determined by our deep understanding of maturation dynamics. It’s the moment of peak flavour in our warehouse environment – a climate where nothing is forced.
“The Wave is a strong example of Bladnoch’s taste-first approach to whisky making and a real demonstration of our bold Galloway spirit. With these single malts, we not only strive to take people on a journey into whisky making, but also to provide them with a taste experience, aiming to challenge preconceptions and build understanding along the way.”
Bottled at 53.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour, Wave I: Time & Maturation opens with floral pine needles, fresh cut oak on the nose and imparts notes of sweet oak and toasted coconut on the palate, with a sweet, warm, refreshing finish.
The edition is limited to 1,817 bottles in tribute to the year the distillery was founded and has an RSP of £150.
