Bladnoch Pure Malt (1970s)

Somehow, this Lowland distillery continues to defy the odds and survive. Founded in 1817 by Thomas and John McClelland, production lasted until 1905 when the first of several closures ensued. During one such period, shortly after World War 2, the distillery is stripped of its equipment and liquidated. For 20 years, Bladnoch waits on another opportunity before it is refitted and bounces back into life. New owners follow and more closures, until 1994 when the Armstrongs resurrect the distillery until 2014, when Bladnoch is liquidated again. A year later David Prior purchases the distillery with grand ambitions and begins by refurbishing the equipment and launching a more premium styled whisky, and running peat distillation. So far, the future now seems bright for Bladnoch, over 200 years since its foundation.