Showing posts with label Haig Supreme 2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haig Supreme 2015. Show all posts

Haig Supreme 2015 Review


“Mixed Emotions”

Country: Scotland 
Brand: Haig Supreme
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: NAS 
ABV: 40 %

Colour: Golden Amber 

Nose: The young Grain whiskies are all over the place. I do wonder if I ever really will appreciate their Aroma. I also get Dried Apricot, Mandarin Peel, Nuts, Caramel, Honey, Refill Wood, Cereals, Toast and Margarine, a hint of Sherry and Smoke from a very distant fire. Some slightly Sour Apples after a while. A light Plastic like Off-Note as well. The Alcohol is not fully integrated. It's not a very inspiring Nose. Still, it's the better part of this Blend!

Palate: The Delivery is slightly Watery. Haig Supreme is Sweet at first with Sugared Orange Peel, Honey, Caramel, Toffee and light Vanilla but certainly more dry and slightly bitter towards the end with Refill Oak, Nut Shells, Hay, Pepper and a bit of Smoke. 

Finish: Short, Dry and slightly Bitter towards the end with Refill Oak, Caramel, Toffee, Sugar, Hot Grain Alcohol, Hay, Pepper, Nuts and a puff of Smoke. 

Haig Supreme does not accept Water very well. Everything just gets watered down.


Rating: 76

Nose: 19.5 - 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 at all expensive at around 30 US Dollars (August 2015)

Drinking Experience Neat: Okay

Drinking Experience on the Rocks: Okay

Conclusion: I tasted the Haig Supreme earlier. In July 2013 to be specific. I scored it just half a point higher back then but all in all my earlier impressions were confirmed. Today, I'm just a little bit more capable in describing more precisely what I smell and taste. Haig Supreme is not a sipping whisky and I suppose that's okay at this price level. There are simply not enough Aromas and Flavours present to enjoy it neat. On the rocks and in the mix however it can certainly compete with the likes of JW Red Label and in fact I find Haig slightly less aggressive. It's not much but it's something I suppose!

Jan van den Ende                                                                  August 10, 2015