A little pig grins out from the label, and the name is a play on the classic hogshead cask, the roughly 200-litre barrels whisky matures in right across Scotland. Behind the playful front sits a blend that never reveals where it comes from, yet speaks for itself in the glass.
The expert's description
Hogshead Fine Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky with no age statement and no disclosed distilleries, bottled at 43%.
The whisky is composed entirely of malt whisky from several Scottish distilleries, a large share of which is thought to come from Islay, rounded out with a gentler base likely from the Highlands or Speyside. Neither the source distilleries nor the bottling company are named on the bottle, which is common for this type of accessible blend that relies on its flavour rather than its pedigree.
In the glass the colour is light amber, and the style is considerably milder than the name and the presumed Islay component might suggest. This is a whisky built to be broad and welcoming rather than uncompromising.
Tasting notes
Nose
Fresh oranges and a touch of black pepper meet gentle smoke and mint, with a faint yeasty note underneath.
Palate
Soft, sweet smoke moves into sherry sweetness and fruit candy, with a small maritime whisper in the background.
Finish
Medium length, with grapes, sweet liquorice and dark bread, before a light fruit acidity lingers as the last impression.
Specifications
Name: Hogshead Fine Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Region/Country: Scotland
Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 43%
Size: 70 CL
EAN no.: 5021944020768
Flavour profile
Smoky · Sherry matured · Fruity · Soft
Did you know?
The hogshead cask takes its name from the old British volume unit "hogshead", equal to roughly 63 US gallons; in whisky production the casks are typically recycled from American bourbon-making before switching over to Scotch whisky maturation.
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