Haig is now mostly associated with this blue perfume bottle promoted by David Beckham, but blended Scotch under the Haig label has been available for decades. One such example is the Haig Gold Label Blended Scotch, a whisky that dates back to the twilight years of the 19th century. Today’s review is of a bottling from the 1970s for the Belgian market.
As for the makeup of this blend? It’s a fair bet to say that the grain portion of this malt comes from Cameronbridge, the oldest grain distillery in Europe and, more importantly, founded by John Haig in 1824. According to one source, malt whisky (roughly 40 percent) of Glenkinchie and Linkwood is also used.
Haig Gold Label Blended Scotch (40%, John Haig & Co. Ltd., 1974)
Nose: Some terpentine at first, as well as camphor, but it disappears after a little while. What remains is an inviting, albeit not very complex, nose. Some moss, dusty books, overripe apples, and a hint of menthol.
Taste: The palate is a bit weak, but there’s still room for plenty of caramel and spices, burnt toast. Again some menthol and cigar tobacco as well.
Finish: A tad flowery, with lingering spices. Short to medium in length.
Rating: 81
Certainly has an old school quality to it, but it is a bit of a one note whisky. I enjoyed it, but would not ever feel the need to have a whole bottle of this at home.
Photo: Whiskybase
