Bladnoch Distillery, the oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery in Scotland, has struck up a new partnership with premium French distributor Maison Villevert in a move set to accelerate its presence across France.

The three-year agreement will see Maison Villevert manage the distribution of Bladnoch’s core single malt portfolio, helping the Lowland distillery tap into new on and off-trade accounts across the country. The collaboration, formalised in March 2025, is the latest phase in Bladnoch’s international growth strategy following the appointment of UK distributor Enotria&Coe and a US partnership with Twenty20 Beverages earlier this year.

Founded in 1817 and based in Galloway, Bladnoch has undergone a dramatic revival since being acquired by Australian entrepreneur David Prior in 2015. Under Prior’s leadership and with master distiller Dr Nick Savage at the helm, the brand has repositioned itself as a Lowland single malt with global ambitions.

Savage, formerly of The Macallan, emphasised the growing demand for the distillery’s distinctive style.

“Our proposition to create a bold Galloway spirit with a proud heritage is unique to our distillery. As a result, demand for Bladnoch has grown at pace in recent years, not only in the UK but increasingly in France,” he said.

“Our partnership with Maison Villevert marks the next step in our vision for growth in this important market, helping us to reach more whisky enthusiasts in France with our signature Lowland Scotch whisky style and ‘taste-first’ approach to whisky making.”

Bladnoch’s whiskies are now available in over 45 markets, including the UK, US, Australia, France and Taiwan. The brand continues to collect accolades, with its 16 Year Old winning gold in the ‘Single Malt – 13 to 20 Years’ category at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

Maison Villevert, which traces its lineage back to 1487, has built a reputation for nurturing premium spirits brands through bespoke distribution strategies. The company’s founding chairman Jean-Sébastien Robicquet has led its transformation into a sustainability-focused spirits house with strong roots in the Cognac region.

Yannick Perezzan, commercial director at Maison Villevert, said: “Maison Villevert and Bladnoch share strong common values rooted in independence, authenticity, and a deep respect for heritage and craftsmanship.

“Maison Villevert will develop the Bladnoch brand in France by leveraging our tailored distribution model across premium retail network and on-trade. Thanks to its strong market expertise, premium positioning and storytelling-driven approach, we aim to elevate Bladnoch’s visibility, build emotional connections with consumers, and establish it as a key reference in the single malt whisky category in France.”