Preliminary remark: The Bladnoch Vinaya comes without any age information. Here older barrels from before 2009 come together with four-year-old single malt after the reopening.
Bladnoch Vinaya, 46.7% alc. Expansion: Bourbon and sherry barrels (both exclusively first fill)
Nose: Sugar-sweet and fresh is the first impression. Then there are grassy and slightly floral aromas. A lot of mild apples, sweetish without any acid, a hint of vanilla, oats and orange zest.
Palate: A lot of character is added here. Sweet and fruity with apple and pear, a splash of lemon, then stronger. Roasted almonds, cocoa, oak and colored pepper, some white coffee with a creamy texture.
Finish: rather short, light and creamy. I would say sweet. A mild dryness with a slightly spicy character remains.
Conclusion: The proportion of the still very young barrels is clearly visible, they give the Vinaya a fresh and mild character. At the same time, the alcohol is wonderfully integrated, no corners or edges. A pleasant representative of the Lowlands. 82/100 points (2021).
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