Taste: Bladnoch 12 Year Sherry Matured

After the disappointment of the last Taste review, I'm back for another Bladnoch but this time one that is truly sherry matured and therefore full of character. The picturesque distillery may have temporarily fallen silent again, but amongst those vast avenues of warehouses, casks await release. 

Bladnoch today plays host to casks from other distilleries who take advantage of these impressive facilities. The distillery is more than just a holding facility with it's own wonderful spirit available in a wide range of finishes. This is the classic sherry matured Bladnoch. When I think sherry then it is more likely to be this bottle than an imposing sherry beast such as the recent Cadenhead Highland Park 25 year old - a true monster. This Bladnoch is a sherry dram you can enjoy everyday and appreciate without it breaking the bank.

Distilled: 16th November 2001
Bottled: 13th July 2012
Strength: 55%
Cask Type: Sherry butt
Cask Numbers: Single cask bottling
Additional: No chill-filtration or artificial colouring
Price: £44

Colour: Caramel, rapeseed oil 
Nose: Pineapple, honey, raisin, leather polish, orange, ginger, black pepper
Mouth: Tobacco, fig, hazelnut, almond  and sherry of course!

Raith's Verdict: Now this is more like it for a sherry cask. Captivating flavours and a prolonged, smooth finish. This is what I was hoping for with the previous Taste review yet it was sadly missing the real influence of sherry beyond mere colour. This 12 year Bladnoch is in a different league and an improvement in class. Out of the two Bladnoch's this is the one I will be returning to again and again.