Bladnoch – Samsara

Samsara is a single malt from Bladnoch, and the first release from the distillery since it reopened. The name means rebirth. It is made from whisky aged for at least eight years, together with older, rarer whiskies. They matured in first fill ex-bourbon casks and first fill ex-red wine casks from California. The nose is rich and concentrated, with stewed fruit, plums, vanilla and orange blossom. The palate starts sweet and winey, then turns fairly dry, with plums, vanilla, a little citrus and a malty centre. The finish is long, soft and winey with spice.