Whisky Focus - Bladnoch Loch Maberry Chapter Two

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned distillery, has unveiled the second release in its special series Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch. Chapter Two continues the collection of limited-edition single malt whiskies, each chosen by individuals with a meaningful connection to the distillery.

The series is named after Loch Maberry, source of the River Bladnoch, whose waters have sustained whisky production since the distillery was founded in 1817. It honours not only the land and water that shape Bladnoch’s whiskies but also the people whose stories keep its spirit alive.

Chapter Two tells the story of Elizabeth Cobbett, great-great-granddaughter of Thomas McClelland, who alongside his brother John, established Bladnoch over 200 years ago. Her Scottish journey of reconnection revealed a personal discovery: that whisky has a place for everyone.

Although Elizabeth had long known her family once owned Bladnoch, a short visit in the 1990s was enough at the time to satisfy her curiosity. Two decades later, after her parents passed away, she uncovered family photographs in their attic that reignited her interest.

Researching her roots, Elizabeth found that her grandmother, Margaret Tyrer (née McClelland), was born in 1882 near Bladnoch, where generations of the McClelland family had lived and worked before moving to Liverpool after the distillery changed hands.

In later years, she followed the distillery’s revival online, watching the restoration of its stone buildings and staying connected through newsletters. When Bladnoch invited people to share their personal connections, Elizabeth responded—an exchange that led to her return to the distillery and to meeting master distiller Dr. Nick Savage, who guided her in selecting the cask for Chapter Two.

Together, they sampled and assessed whiskies before Elizabeth chose Cask 450/2006, a sherry butt cask laid down in 2006. The whisky reveals rich notes of coffee, chocolate, and almonds, finishing with a long, nutty almond character.

Elizabeth Cobbett said: "I feel privileged to have been chosen to share my story and select a cask at Bladnoch. Despite my heritage, before my Scottish adventure to the distillery, I knew very little about whisky and have never felt it was for me. My wonderful day at Bladnoch changed that. I discovered the skill of master blender, Dr Nick Savage, the alchemy, and the subtlety involved in making whisky and learned to truly appreciate a glass of the 'water of life’.

"I'm certain Thomas and John McClelland would be proud to see their distillery revived, blending tradition with innovation and a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication. They would be happy it is now in safe hands, and so am I."

Dr Nick Savage added: "When we share Stories of Bladnoch, we celebrate history, adventure, and community, and Elizabeth’s story captures all of this. Her 20-year journey reconnecting with the distillery her great-great-grandfather co-founded shows that, like whisky, connections take time and patience to mature. From initial uncertainty to writing her own tasting notes, her experience reminds us why we make whisky.

"Under our new ownership, Bladnoch has been reimagined over the past decade, and it’s inspiring to see Elizabeth so pleased with the legacy we continue and that we’re doing things those before us would be proud of."

This second chapter follows the 2024 debut of the series, which honoured Mr. Arnold, a lifelong admirer of Bladnoch whose passion mirrored the devotion of the distillery’s team. Having first encountered Bladnoch while living in Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway, Mr. Arnold became a dedicated supporter and frequent visitor.

Founded in 1817, Bladnoch is one of the world’s oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers and has been reinvigorated under the ownership of David Prior, who purchased the distillery in 2015, becoming the first Australian to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bottled at 48.6% ABV, Chapter Two is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured. Presented in a collector’s box containing letters from both Elizabeth and Dr. Nick Savage, it is available from Bladnoch.com with an RRSP of £150.

The release of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two, will be marked at Bold Spirit: Tales of Galloway on Thursday, 2 October. This storytelling event—part of the distillery’s collaboration with the 27th annual Wigtown Book Festival—celebrates Galloway’s bold spirit and heritage, set fittingly in Scotland’s National Book Town, where Bladnoch’s 208-year-old distillery continues its story.

You will also find the current Bladnoch core whisky range available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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