An Australian Bladnoch Tour
When it comes to Scotch whisky, Bladnoch Distillery stands out as one of Scotland’s hidden gems. Nestled in the Lowlands and boasting over 200 years of history, Bladnoch whisky has a cult following on our shores known for its elegance, a single malts that has collectors, enthusiasts and whisky lovers looking for that next release. Under the watchful eye of master distiller Nick Savage- whose journey spans engineering, Macallan, and now Bladnoch - the distillery has been crafting exceptional whiskies that balance innovation and tradition. So, when we had the chance to host Nick for an exclusive Barrel & Batch tour across Australia, we knew it was going to be something special.
Stop 1: Sydney – Burrow Bar
We kicked things off in Sydney with an intimate, sold-out evening at Burrow Bar. The lineup? Six stunning Bladnoch whiskies, including a 16-year-old single cask we handpicked and bottled in collaboration with the distillery. The event wasn’t just about sipping drams; it was a food pairing experience the talented team at Burrow Bar pairing every dish to the whisky.
Nick didn’t hold back - he took guests through each expression, shared behind-the-scenes insights into Bladnoch’s unique production process, and dove deep into his fascinating journey from engineering to whisky-making royalty. There were plenty of laughs, stories, and a delivery from Nick that brought a new understanding for many of the guests understanding how much goes into making whisky this good.
Stop 2: Melbourne - Torino Apertivo
From there, it was on to Melbourne for a consumer masterclass at Torino Aperitivo. Different city, same passion. The Melbourne crowd brought their A-game with thoughtful questions and a genuine curiosity about the craft. Nick, as always, delivered. Answering questions with the expertise of someone who’s lived and breathed whisky for decades.
Torino Apertivo perfectly encapsulated Melbourne's laneway vibe with an Italian twist. A home to sophisticated cocktails, spirits and vino, it was the perfect background for those wanting to delve into the artistry of an iconic Scottish whisky.
Stop 3: Brisbane – Malt Dining
For the final stop, we dialed things down for a more intimate affair at Malt Dining in Brisbane. Picture this: 20 people around one big table, charcuterie boards piled high, and glasses of Bladnoch whiskies flowing. The attendees were die-hard Bladnoch fans - collectors, enthusiasts, and loyal supporters of the brand - and the atmosphere was perfect.
Nick gave everyone a few hours of his time, sharing the same energy and enthusiasm as he had in Sydney and Melbourne, but with even more personal touches. The Barrel & Batch 16-year-old single cask was brought out at the finale, sparking plenty of conversation and admiration.
The Grand Finale: Whisky Whisky Show
The tour wrapped up with a bang at the “Whisky Whisky” show in Brisbane, hosted by our friends at Supping Club. This whisky fair brought together about 40 distilleries and suppliers, with Barrel & Batch proudly serving as the retailer for the event.
It was a whisky lover’s paradise, and the perfect way to cap off an incredible week of showcasing Bladnoch and connecting with passionate fans. Nick once again took the time to connect with Bladnoch’s loyal followers, who were not only eager to hear his insights but also proud to meet the man behind the magic.
All in all, it was an absolute pleasure to spend time with Nick Savage and dive deep into the world of Bladnoch Distillery. From the history to the craft, and of course, the incredible whiskies, we were thrilled to share it all with our customers and Bladnoch’s loyal fans. Here’s to more drams, more stories, and more unforgettable moments like these!