Bladnoch revisits Master Distiller’s Collection

Lowland distillery Bladnoch has released The Wave, the second chapter of the Master Distiller’s Collection.

The Wave is a limited edition series that intends to demonstrate the marrying process of whisky casks, with five annual releases based around one of five ‘whisky-making pillars’ used by master distiller, Dr Nick Savage. The first release, Wave I: Time & Maturation, focuses on the importance of selecting casks at the peak of their maturation. 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.” The first edition of the Master Distiller’s Collection was named The Waterfall Series and concluded in May 2024. For The Wave, Savage filled five 1,500-litre amontillado Sherry tuns with whiskies from different cask types. With each release, the cask types will be revealed. This year’s release features whisky that has been aged in ex-Bourbon casks blended with the final Waterfall release, which was finished in second-fill Oloroso Sherry barrels. Bottled at 53.8% ABV, the whisky has ‘floral pine needles and fresh cut oak’ on the nose followed by ‘notes of sweet oak and toasted coconut’ on the palate. Its finish is ‘sweet, warm and refreshing’. Limited to 1,817 bottles – in tribute to the year the distillery was founded – the expression will retail for £150 (US$192). It will be available exclusively in the UK and Australia from Bladnoch’s website. Some whisky from each year’s tun will be decanted into the next year’s tun, ‘creating a common thread and a wave effect throughout the series’. The fifth release will, therefore, feature components from the whole range. Each Wave release will also be accompanied by a music track that represents the whisky’s journey, with a piano composition chosen for Wave I: Time & Maturation. Bladnoch will also host Bladnoch Wave Weekend in June 2025, with details revealed first to those who buy Wave I. Earlier this year, Bladnoch began a whisky series inspired by its fans.