Second chapter in Stories of Bladnoch series drops
Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned distillery, has launched Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two – the second expression in its annual series celebrating the brand’s ‘most avid’ admirers.
The Stories of Bladnoch series sees single malt whiskies selected by individuals who have a deep affinity with the distillery.
Loch Maberry is the second expression in the series, and was selected by Elizabeth Cobbett, the great-great-granddaughter of Thomas McClelland, who with his older brother John, founded the distillery at Bladnoch more than 200 years ago.
Delving into her family history following the passing of her parents, Cobbett learned of multiple connections she holds with the distillery, including the discovery that her grandmother, Margaret Tyrer (née McClelland), had been born in 1882 near the distillery, where the McClelland family earned their living before moving to Liverpool at the turn of the century when Bladnoch was sold.
When Bladnoch invited people to share their stories, she responded with her family’s history, which led her to meet master distiller Dr Nick Savage and help select a cask for Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two.
Cobbett said: “I feel privileged to have been chosen to share my story and select a cask at Bladnoch. Despite my heritage, before my Scottish adventure to the distillery, I knew very little about whisky and have never felt it was for me. My wonderful day at Bladnoch changed that. I discovered the skill of master blender, Dr Nick Savage, the alchemy, and the subtlety involved in making whisky and learned to truly appreciate a glass of the ‘water of life’.
“I’m certain Thomas and John McClelland would be proud to see their distillery revived, blending tradition with innovation and a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication. They would be happy it is now in safe hands, and so am I.”
Guided by Savage, Cobbett nosed and tasted a selection of samples before choosing Cask 450/2006. Distilled in 2006 and matured in a Sherry butt cask, the expression displays notes of coffee, chocolate and almonds and delivers a very long, nutty almond finish.
With an ABV of 48.6%, Chapter Two of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch has a natural colour and is non-chill filtered. It is encased in a presentation box which also contains letters from Cobbett and Savage describing their experiences of collaborating to craft the whisky.
Loch Maberry is the source of the River Bladnoch, which provides the water that has sustained the distillery since it was founded in 1817.
Savage said: “When we share stories of Bladnoch, we celebrate history, adventure, and community, and Elizabeth’s story captures all of this. Her 20-year journey reconnecting with the distillery her great-great-grandfather co-founded shows that, like whisky, connections take time and patience to mature. From initial uncertainty to writing her own tasting notes, her experience reminds us why we make whisky.
“Under our new ownership, Bladnoch has been reimagined over the past decade, and it’s inspiring to see Elizabeth so pleased with the legacy we continue and that we’re doing things those before us would be proud of.”
Chapter Two follows the 2024 release of the series’ inaugural expression, which paid tribute to Mr Arnold, a lifelong admirer of Bladnoch whose passion reflects the dedication of the distillery’s skilled team.
With an RRP of £150 (US$201), the new expression is available to purchase from Bladnoch.com.
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