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. The name means 'rebirth'. It is said to combine whiskies of at least 8 years old with older ones, matured in first-fill Californian red wine casks and bourbon casks. The nose is concentrated, with fruit compote, plums, vanilla and orange blossom. The palate begins sweet and winey, dries slightly, then brings more plum and vanilla, citrus and a malty core. The finish is mellow and winey, with a lingering spicy tail.