Bladnoch Vinaya – 70cl

Vinaya is Bladnoch's everyday flag-bearer, and a proper introduction to what the Lowlands do best. First-fill bourbon barrels for vanilla and honey, first-fill Oloroso sherry for spice and depth, bottled without an age statement at 46.7%.

The distillery was licensed in 1817 and stands beside the River Bladnoch near Wigtown, in the soft green country of Galloway — the most southerly working distillery in Scotland. That Lowland setting matters. The spirit is grassy and light on its feet, and Vinaya keeps it that way, letting the two cask types do their work without ever getting heavy.

The nose is bright and inviting: vanilla, heather and freshly cut grass, then green apple, honey and a twist of cured lemon. The palate wakes up in the middle — that green apple turns to ginger and white pepper, with roasted almond, caramel and a little chocolate underneath. The finish is medium and pleasantly bittersweet, green and herbal, with a peppery warmth that lingers.

A weeknight whisky in the best sense: characterful enough to reward your attention, gentle enough that it doesn't demand it. At just under £48, seriously good value for a first-fill Lowland malt.

How to Serve

Neat, in a tulip glass. A splash of water calms the pepper and coaxes out the honey — it takes water well, so don't be shy.

Where to Drink It

Black Rock in Shoreditch, for a whisky list that rewards the curious. The American Bar at the Savoy, if you would rather see it stirred into something. Dukes Bar in St James's for a quieter nightcap.

Food Pairings

Try it with roasted almonds, or a lemon tart — the citrus and the whisky spark off each other. It is also surprisingly good with a mild, nutty cheese like Gruyère.