Bladnoch Vinaya is a toast to revival and respect, a whisky that bridges the past and future of one of Scotland’s oldest Lowland distilleries. “Vinaya,” a Sanskrit word meaning reverence and gratitude, perfectly captures the spirit of this expression: gratitude for tradition, and reverence for the craft that’s kept Bladnoch alive since 1817. It’s the taste of rebirth in liquid form, bright, balanced, and deeply soulful, just like the rolling green pastures surrounding the River Bladnoch itself.

Bladnoch Vinaya Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl
Brand: Bladnoch | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 46.7% | Origin: Lowlands, Scotland | Vol: 700ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Fresh and floral, with notes of honey, green apple, and soft vanilla. Hints of sweet hay and citrus zest rise gently, evoking a spring morning in the Lowlands.
Palate: Light yet expressive. Layers of malt, pear, and creamy toffee unfold alongside a subtle touch of spice from the ex-bourbon casks. The texture is silky, with just enough oak to frame its natural sweetness.
Finish: Clean and lingering, with vanilla, malt, and a whisper of pepper. It fades gracefully, leaving behind a soft warmth and a memory of fruit and freshness.

Production Details:
Vinaya is crafted from a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, a marriage that brings both brightness and depth. Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural color, it represents the new era of Bladnoch under owner David Prior, who revived the historic distillery in 2015. The philosophy behind Vinaya is simple yet profound, honor tradition, embrace innovation, and create a whisky that speaks with clarity and authenticity.

Perfect For:
Moments of reflection or quiet conversation. Ideal for whisky lovers who appreciate subtlety and craftsmanship over showmanship. It’s the perfect dram for slow afternoons, gentle music, and thoughtful company.

Expert Notes:
Critics describe Vinaya as “a quintessential Lowland malt with modern finesse.” Its combination of orchard fruit sweetness and creamy oak has earned it praise as one of the most approachable and elegant whiskies in Bladnoch’s lineup, a gateway into the distillery’s delicate, sophisticated style.

Customer Reviews:
“It’s soft but confident, like the Lowlands in a glass. Refreshing and honest.”   Alistair H.
“Elegant, balanced, and dangerously easy to drink. My go-to for calm evenings.”   Naomi S.
“Every sip feels peaceful. It’s whisky with grace.”   Victor L.

Interesting Fact:
Bladnoch is one of the few remaining family-owned Scotch distilleries and the southernmost in Scotland. Its rebirth in 2015 marked the return of a distillery that had been silent for years, making Vinaya a celebration not just of whisky, but of perseverance.

Serving Suggestions:
Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its gentle floral and fruity notes. Add a few drops of water to unlock more sweetness and a hint of spice. It also shines as an elegant pre-dinner dram, clean, inviting, and effortlessly balanced.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1817 by brothers John and Thomas McClelland, Bladnoch Distillery has stood for over two centuries on the banks of the River Bladnoch. Once a hidden gem of the Lowlands, it has been beautifully revived to blend heritage with modern artistry. Today, Bladnoch continues to craft whiskies that are light, floral, and profoundly expressive, embodying the quiet strength of Scotland’s southern whisky region.