A relatively new independent bottler, Hogshead Imports has been quite prolific. Most importantly, their offerings are mostly affordable. Such is also the case for their latest blended Scotch, blended grain and single grain whiskies – six in total.
Of course, affordability is relative. For one, it depends on ones disposable income. But also on the perceived quality. Most of the Scotch whiskies reviewed today are available for less than 100 euro. That seems good value considering the youngest one is 18 years of age. But it’s really only good value if the whisky is worthwhile, regardless of age.
And that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to finding out.
Blended Scotch Whisky 2005 18 Years (45.5%, Hogshead Imports, 614 bts.)
A blended Scotch whisky reportedly consisting of 45% Macallan and 55% North British, matured in a refill sherry butt.
Nose: Hints of dark caramel, some Demerara sugar and faint vegetal notes, accompanied by persimmons and gentle floral touches. Also some oak char and lemon pith.
Taste: Nice viscosity. Soft notes of black pepper and Acacia honey along with vanilla buttercream, chocolate pralines and burnt toast. Finally a touch of ginger and cigar boxes.
Finish: Medium length. Rich toffee and meringues.
Blended Scotch Whisky 2002 20 Years (44.9%, Hogshead Imports, 589 bts.)
A blended Scotch whisky reportedly consisting of 40% Macallan and 60% North British, matured in a refill sherry butt.
Nose: Just the slightest hint of juniper and pine needles, then vanilla custard, sour dough and gentle red fruits. Mainly strawberries, to be honest. Gets richer and darker with time. A touch of cinnamon, damp oak and cocoa powder to round things out.
Taste: Darker, more intense, but less viscosity. Some black peppercorns with coffee grounds, burnt caramel, toffee and bitter chocolate. More cinnamon too. Also gingerbread cake and orange peels.
Finish: Medium length. A touch lighter now with gentle orchard fruits.
Blended Scotch Whisky 1999 24 Years (44.1%, Hogshead Imports, 329 bts.)
A blended Scotch whisky reportedly consisting of 30% Macallan and 70% North British, matured in a refill sherry butt.
Nose: Again, a soft vegetal note (think broccoli), but also a gentle herbaciousness. There might be a touch of sulphur too. Then notes of cherries and other red fruits. Overall rather closed.
Taste: Hints of black pepper, some lemon grass, butterscotch and crème caramel, but also less attractive notes of buttermilk and plastic, however faint they may be.
Finish: Short to medium. More of the same.
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 1987 35 Years (55.1%, Hogshead Imports, 268 bts.)
According to Hogshead Imports this Blended Grain Scotch Whisky might consist of Strathclyde, Girvan and Invergordon. It matured in a second-fill bourbon cask.
Nose: Slivers of crushed mint and candied lemon peel, as well as whiffs of nail polish. Then some digestive biscuits, pastries and sawdust. Fairly fresh, but much depth.
Taste: Plenty of vanilla sweetness along with some rhubarb, a good pinch of white pepper and chamomile tea. Also slivers of marzipan, burnt caramel and walnuts.
Finish: Medium length. Some charred oak, bitter lemon peel and soft medicinal notes. Finally a tinge of vanilla custard.
North British 1991 31 Years (46.7%, Hogshead Imports, 186 bts.)
A single grain Scotch whisky from North British, matured in a first-fill bourbon barrel.
Nose: Hints of love hearts, wood glue and nail polish to kick things off. A touch of polished leather, faint notes of tobacco and also a whisper of tinned pineapple. Some buttered popcorn, plenty of oak spices and even some instant coffee.
Taste: The cask has had its say. Plenty of caramel, fudge and vanilla accompanied by Triple Sec and warming oak spices. Also a good amount of Acacia honey and coconut.
Finish: Medium to long. Plenty of sweetness, some oak tannins and coconut shavings.
North British 1991 32 Years (45.5%, Hogshead Imports, 162 bts.)
A single grain Scotch whisky from North British, matured in a first-fill bourbon barrel.
Nose: I poured this dram, and then waited for 20 to 30 minutes. That’s just how it is with single grain whiskies. They need time. Nevertheless, I still get some obligatory hints of nail polish (ethyl acetate), resin and wood glue. Then more cereal and biscuit-y notes come out of hiding, as well fudge and butterscotch. Also some leafier and herbal notes.
Taste: The mouthfeel is satisfyingly creamy. Hints of orange pith with a few cloves, ginger and a sprinkle of pepper. Mostly touches of vanilla custard, meringues and toffee, as well as a subtle note of mochaccino. Plenty of varnish and resin too.
Finish: Medium length. Pine resin, coconut and whispers of pepper. Slightly herbacious too.
Photos: Whiskybase
Samples provided by Hogshead Imports & Dram1
