BLADNOCH THE SAMHLA
HONOURING THE PAST, EMBRACING THE PRESENT, CREATING THE FUTURE
A belief in good old family values. A 100% commitment to top-quality craftsmanship. A firm grip on the past. And the guts to grab hold of the future with both hands.
We reckon that's a pretty decent way of doing business.
And you'll find all of the above embodied in one of the world's most prestigious families of vintage whiskies.
A 200-YEAR OLD TRADITION CONTINUES
At over 200 years old, Bladnoch is one of Scotland's most seasoned whisky distilleries. That's a lot of history and a lot of storytelling. But it's a distillery that also embraces the future.
In 2015, David Prior, the distillery's new owner had a dream — to crown Bladnoch a super-premium luxury malt brand. And he entrusted Contagious to bring that dream to life by creating a quintessentially vintage set of three ultra-rare generational whiskies. A prestigious collection that embodied both Bladnoch's rich history and its forward-looking aspirations.
In 1817, John and Thomas McClelland were granted a licence to distil Whisky on their Bladnoch farm and in 1956 Bladnoch Distillery Limited was founded. Throughout this time generations of family and a series of other ownerships have put their own stamp on the distillery. Recently, however, Bladnoch has been back in private hands.
Ups, downs and dramas. But there had to be a single thread that ran through everything. After exploring many options, the penny dropped.
FAMILY, PEOPLE AND RELATIONSHIPS - THE SOUL OF OUR STORY
WITH THE IDEA OF FAMILY FIRMLY IN PLACE, WE LAUNCHED BLADNOCH'S PRESTIGE COLLECTION.
THE ABSOLUTE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF FINE WHISKIES.
The McClelland - Distilled in 1966
(Bladnoch's oldest release to date and a tribute to the founding brothers) - limited to 15 bottles.
The Prior - Distilled in 1990
(the year David Prior began his entrepreneurial journey) - limited to 50 bottles.
The Sage - Distilled in 2008
(the year Prior's daughter, Sage was born) - limited to 100 bottles
Ultra-exclusive, ultra-rare; a range that goes way beyond luxury.
BEYOND NAMING, WE WERE TASKED WITH BRANDING, PACKAGING AND STORYTELLING. AND WHAT A GRAND STORY WE'VE WOVEN.
No expense spared. Every care lavished. Decanter bottles sit in walnut boxes with brass detailing and stories emblazoned on metal plaques. Each family member has its own eccentricities and luxury cues that become more opulent as rarity increases.
The 15 bottles of 'The McLelland' and a one-off 'The Samhla' even come with exclusive ceremonial keys to Bladnoch's whisky snug. These are accompanied by personal invitations from Master Distiller, Dr. Nick Savage, to visit the distillery.
Family and community are embedded in the distillery's values. As such, Bladnoch was proud to contribute a one-of-a-kind bottle to The Distillers' One of One charity whisky auction at Sotheby's.
One of just 39 lots, 'The Samhla' helped raise £2.2m for charities supporting disadvantaged young people across Scotland's whisky-making communities.
