Bladnoch Distillery, Scotland’s southernmost whisky producer, has announced the launch of an immersive theatre experience set to debut this autumn.
Titled Bladnoch Tasting Notes, the event promises to bring over two centuries of whisky-making history to life along the banks of the River Bladnoch.
Created by actress and voice artist Debora Weston, known for her roles in Patriot Games, Thunderbirds, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the script follows the journey of brothers John and Thomas McClelland, who founded Bladnoch Distillery in 1817.
Guests will be transported back in time to meet notable characters from the distillery’s storied past.The experience will feature professional actors such as Mark Kydd, recognised for his roles in Clique and Taggart, and Mark Rannoch, Bladnoch’s global brand ambassador and actor in the hit TV series Outlander.
Running from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th September, attendees will also have the opportunity to sample two Lowland single malt whiskies from Bladnoch’s portfolio, including Bladnoch Vinaya, which pays homage to the McClelland brothers.
A highlight of the event will be a special tutored tasting led by master distiller Dr Nick Savage, where guests will be among the first to try Bladnoch 8 Year Old, the inaugural expression in the distillery’s Double Matured Collection.
This 8-year-old whisky, with an ABV of 46.7%, has been matured in two types of American oak red wine casks, offering a complex flavour profile with notes of strawberries and cream, polished oak, and nutmeg.
The Double Matured Collection marks a significant milestone for Bladnoch, featuring aged whiskies that have fully completed distillation and maturation under the ownership of David Prior, who acquired the distillery in 2015.
Glen Gribbon, CEO at Bladnoch Distillery, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Working with Debora to develop Bladnoch Tasting Notes has been a wonderful experience.
“We have a rich and storied past here at Bladnoch Distillery, and Debora’s talent and vision for bringing history to life on the stage has helped us condense 207 years of whisky-making heritage and bold Galloway spirit into one spectacular performance.”
Tickets for Bladnoch Tasting Notes will be available from 9am on Friday 9th August, priced at £25 per guest (ages 18 and over).
The event coincides with the first weekend of the Wigtown Book Festival, which runs from 27th September to 6th October.
Wigtown, only a mile from Bladnoch Distillery, is celebrated as Scotland’s National Book Town, hosting its 25th literary festival this year.
Glen Gribbon, CEO at Bladnoch Distillery, said: “Working with Debora to develop Bladnoch Tasting Notes has been a wonderful experience.
“We have a rich and storied past here at Bladnoch Distillery, and Debora’s talent and vision for bringing history to life on the stage has helped us condense 207 years of whisky making heritage and bold Galloway spirit into one spectacular performance.
“Bladnoch Tasting Notes is one of the most significant events in our calendar this year, and we look forward to welcoming guests to the distillery to discover more about the people who shaped our early years.”
