Bladnoch – Samsara (70cl, 46.7%)

Bladnoch Samsara is a Lowland single malt bottled at 46.7% in a 70cl bottle. It was the first of three releases from Bladnoch in early 2017 marking the reopening of the distillery. It carries no age statement, and is said to contain whiskies of at least 8 years old alongside older ones. Maturation was in first fill Californian red wine casks and bourbon casks. The name Samsara means 'rebirth'. The nose is concentrated, with fruit compote, plums, vanilla and orange blossom. The palate starts sweet and winey, then dries slightly, with more plum and vanilla, some citrus and a malty core. The finish is mellow and winey, with a spicy, lingering tail.