Bladnoch The Wave II review: Pears, pineapple and ginger spice define this light Lowlands whisky 

Bladnoch, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, has released the second expression in its ambitious five-part whisky series, The Wave. Dubbed The Wave II: Distillery & Spirit, this single malt continues master distiller Dr Nick Savage’s mission to demystify the whisky-making process through a taste-first exploration of  Lowlands style.

Each new Wave release showcases a key pillar of the Bladnoch production philosophy, with the project itself built around an intricate marrying process involving five Amontillado sherry tuns. This second edition, limited to just 1,817 bottles (the distillery was founded in 1817), focuses on expressing the unique character of Bladnoch itself – it’s light, fruity, and refreshing.

Each annual release in The Wave series showcases a key pillar of the Bladnoch production philosophy…

Behind The Wave

The Wave project is not your typical limited-edition whisky series. Rather than spotlight single cask types or age statements, Dr Nick Savage uses each edition to explore a different aspect of whisky production that defines Bladnoch’s house style. This expression is a blend of whiskies from various years and cask types, originally matured in various bourbon barrels, now married in large sherry tuns to achieve depth and coherence.

Crucially, the remaining whisky from each tun is decanted into the next year’s marrying vessel (cask type yet to be revealed), creating a ripple effect, hence the name, The Wave. “It’s a long-term, cumulative approach,” Savage explains. “Each release shares a thread with the previous and the next.”

The Wave II builds on last year’s release by zooming in on the spirit itself. I wanted this one to be about our DNA, what makes Bladnoch taste like Bladnoch, he tells The Luxe Review during a tasting over Teams.

Bladnoch The Wave II tasting notes

Crafted from a combination of first-fill and re-charred casks, including components from 2007, 2018 and 2019, The Wave II is bottled at a cask strength of 57% ABV, with no chill filtration. As ever, the focus is on preserving authenticity.

On the nose, the whisky is immediately evocative of sweet shop pear drops and summer days, with a creamy maltiness underneath. The palate sees that confectionary pear note joined by pineapple, toffee and sweet vanilla, layered with a comforting spice reminiscent of freshly baked ginger snaps and cinnamon buns.

The mouthfeel is creamy, and there’s a notable transformation as the whisky opens up; leaving the glass to sit for a moment rewards with added juiciness and nuance.

The finish is floral, with a final farwell flicker of spice. “That freshness on the end, it’s a nod back to the New Make spirit,” says Savage. A reminder of where it all begins.

The three flavour anchors he emphasises -“pear drops, pineapples and ginger” – provide a helpful shorthand for the whisky’s vibrant character, but they underplay the subtle craftsmanship at work here. This is a light, approachable Lowlands whisky with genuine character.

Bladnoch’s Lowland vision

As the only independently owned Lowlands distillery of its scale, Bladnoch is seeking to define a new era for the region. Savage describes the Lowlands as an “undiscovered region” with significant untapped potential. Bladnoch is positioning itself as a leading distillery driving a “renaissance” in the region.

And he sees The Wave as part of that renaissance, an accessible, enlightening series that breaks down the production process and invites consumers to understand, not just drink. “We do a lot of complicated things in whisky,” he says. “I’m hoping this series simplifies it and makes it more approachable.”

Savage goes on to explain that The Wave Collection stems from ideas he couldn’t implement in his previous roles at larger whisky companies. At Bladnoch, he has creative freedom to experiment. The Wave series is essentially a collection of innovative ideas he’s wanted to explore throughout his career. And we’re the beneficiaries.

The Wave II: Distillery & Spirit is now available exclusively from the Bladnoch Distillery online shop, priced at £125.