Pure Scot

Bladnoch was reopened by the Irishman Raymond Armstrong in 2000, but because of a dispute with his brother, the jugde ordered them to sell. Australian businessman David Prior took over in July 2015. By now he has released the Bladnoch Samara (NAS), Adela 15 Year Old and Talia 25 Year Old. More recently he stunned the world by releasing a Bladnoch 29 Year Old for no less than 5000 pounds. There are only 200 bottles at 41.2% ABV and is a Bladnoch that was distilled in 1988, matured on oloroso and then finished on a Moscatel cask. But 5000 pounds? Oh, yes, it has a golden stopper. That is a far cry from this Pure Scot, but there is a link. This blend was also released by Prior (in Australia first, which is no accident) and contains not only 9 years old Bladnoch, but also malts from Islay, the Highlands and Speyside, upholstered with some grain. Let’s give it a go.

The first whiff is actually not pleasant. It stinks. Curry ketchup, faded flowers and pipe tobacco. Toffee and old leather redeem it a bit, as does a bit of smoke. But very malty, not fruity at all and in my book simply not good.

The body is okay, but on the palate it goes in all directions. Fairly spicy on pepper and ginger, with some sweet caramel and baked pears, but the peaty element is a bit of a curse. Not very integrated, if you know what I mean.

The finish is fairly long, piquant and grassy.

No, this is not for me. Pity. Beautiful bottle though, but that is also very subjective of course. Beatiful on the outside. Around 40 EUR, which I will spend elsewhere.