Pig's Nose Blended Scotch Whisky Review

Country: Scotland

Brand: Pig’s Nose

Bottled by Spencerfield Spirit Company, Inverkeithing

Type: Blended Whisky

Age: At least 5 Years Old

Alcohol: 40%

Colour:  Amber/Copper

Nose: I would have expected lots of sharp alcohol given the youth of this blend but that’s not the case. The first impressions are Grains (Barley and Corn), Vanilla, Apples and Light Peat. A bit of Sour Alcohol/Vinegar and light Wood pops up a bit later. After 10 minutes or so I get some Dried Fruits (Sultanas).

Taste: Smooth delivery with Honey, Peanut (Butter),Licorice, Sugared Tea, some Sherry, Light Spices and Malt. 

Finish: Middle-long but not very wild and exciting I’m afraid. First Sweet (Sugar, Caramel) followed by Citrus and Salt. Quite dry in the end.

When adding a couple of drops of water you get more fruity tones on the nose. Melon and Peach. On the palate you get more Wood and Vinegar and loose some Tea and Peanuts. In my opinion the nose benefits from a bit of water but I prefer to drink it straight. In any case, you can experiment with a few drops but as always be careful not to overdo it.

Rating:  79 

Nose: 20 – Taste: 21 – Finish: 18 – Overall: 20

General Remarks: Alex Nicol, who used to work for Whyte and Mackay, Laphroaig and Glenmorangie, founded The Spencerfield Spirit Company. The Pig’s Nose Blend was prepared by Richard Paterson of Whyte and Mackay fame. It contains Single Malts from Speyside, Highlands and a bit of Islay, blended together with Grain whiskies.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: Soft and Smooth as a Pig’s Nose. That’s the idea behind this blend. It’s certainly smooth for such a young blend of whiskies. I believe it contains mainly Speyside and Highland Malts. Can’t find much Islay here apart from a bit of peat on the nose. At a price of between USD 30, - and 35, - it’s certainly an alternative if you like smooth and sweet. If anything, I find it a bit too sweet on the palate. It really brought me back to the dressing room when I was a kid playing in a local soccer team. At half time you would receive a cup of sweet tea, sweet as a Pig’s Nose!

Jan van den Ende                                                          February 24, 2012