Bladnoch 11 years 2023 Release

Score: 73

Bladnoch 11 was brought into the club as a bottle purchase and ended up placing second out of three in its tasting bracket—a solid showing for a dram that’s anything but conventional. Matured in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 46.7% ABV, it’s a deliciously refreshing, mouthwatering whisky that wears its Lowland heritage proudly. The barley sugars keep any bitterness at bay, while grassy notes and delicate citrus offer a clean, summery profile. But what really got the club talking was the unmistakable cheesy funk—a yeasty, savory twist that split opinions but ultimately won hearts. The oak spices build with each mouthful, and after two or three pours, more than one member was ready to order another bottle. Bladnoch 11 may not have topped the trio, but it earned its place with charm, eccentricity, and a finish that lingered long after the votes were cast.