Whisky I've Drank: Haig Supreme

By Jan van den Ende
Country: Scotland
Brand: Haig Supreme
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: NAS
ABV: 40 %
Colour: Amber
Nose:
The Grain whiskies make themselves known. I do wonder if I ever really will appreciate their Aroma. A bit of Malt and slightly Sour Sherry and lots of Oak, Nuts and Dried Fruits (mainly Apricot). A touch of Honey and Smoke. It's not too much really although it isn't as aggressive as some of the lower shelf Blends.
Palate:
Sweet at first with Sugared Orange Peel, Honey and Caramel but more dry and slightly bitter towards the end with Oak, Nuts, Pepper and Straw.
Finish:
Short and Dry with Oak, Caramel, Straw, Pepper, Nuts and a puff of Smoke.
Haig Supreme does not accept Water very well. Everything just gets watered down. Except for the fact that on the Nose the Dried Apricot becomes more evident.
Rating: 76,5
Nose: 20 - Taste: 19 - Finish: 18.5 - Overall: 19
General Remarks:
The oldest family name in Scotch Whisky is Haig. Robert Haig began distilling on a farm in 1627. To honour this remarkable heritage, John Haig & Co. of Edinburgh, Scotland/Diageo Group launched the Haig Supreme, a blended Scotch whisky made of 20 different Grain- & Malt Whiskies that aged in European Oak casks. It's not expensive at around 30 US Dollars.
Drinking Experience Neat: Okay
Drinking Experience on the Rocks: Okay
Conclusion:
This is not a bad choice if you are looking for a relatively cheap Blended Scotch whisky. It beats various competitors that are offered at this price level. I'll have this over JW Red anytime, especially neat. The Haig Supreme is NAS but I suspect that most whiskies used are between 5 and 8 years with probably a touch of older whiskies as well. So why don't you score it higher than I hear you ask. Because drinking these Blends neat doesn't give me any pleasure. Nothing of any interest is happening on my Palate. Just the same old Nuts, Dried Fruits and Oak with a bit of Caramel. Honey and Orange Peel. And always that slight Bitterness just around the corner. So if you are looking for a pleasant taste experience, look somewhere else. If you want to drink, you could certainly consider this. Or try a nice Bourbon for a change!