The Hive Wemyss Malts Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 46%

Before the current label found its place on the shelf, The Hive looked a little different. This release is a glimpse of Wemyss Malts' earlier design, carrying exactly the same honeyed soul that has made The Hive a fixture of the range.

Please note: this bottle carries the older label design of The Hive, prior to Wemyss Malts updating the packaging. The contents follow the same recipe and quality as the current release.

Expert description

The Hive is a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 46% ABV by Wemyss Malts, assembled from selected casks sourced from several Scottish distilleries.

Wemyss Malts runs its business on a philosophy borrowed from the wine trade: the family acts as a negociant, seeking out the finest single casks from across Scotland, which are then tasted and selected by a nosing panel chaired by whisky writer Charlie Maclean. The casks are not named after the distillery but after their characteristic flavour profile, which is how The Hive name became synonymous with a soft, honeyed style.

This "Old version" represents an earlier chapter in The Hive's history, carrying a label design different from what is found on today's shelves.

Tasting notes

Nose

Honey cake and ripe apricots, lifted by a light, floral scent of white honey.

Palate

Sweet and full-bodied with caramelised sugar, golden raisins and a silky texture.

Finish

Short to medium, with a warm close of honey and a hint of spiced oak.

Specifications

Name: The Hive
Bottler: Wemyss Malts
Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: NA
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
EAN: 0040232144936

Flavour profile

Honey · Raisin · Silky

Did you know?

Wemyss Malts' nosing panel is chaired by Charlie Maclean, author of more than eight books on whisky, and the panel only selects casks good enough to stand alone as a Single Cask or join one of the named blends such as The Hive.

See our full range of Wemyss Malts

Frequently asked questions about The Hive (Old version)

What does "Old version" mean on this bottle?

It means the bottle carries Wemyss Malts' earlier label design, before the packaging was updated. The whisky itself matches the current release of The Hive.

Which distillery does The Hive come from?

The distillery is undisclosed. The Hive is a Blended Malt assembled from several Scottish malt whiskies by Wemyss Malts.

Who selects the casks for The Hive?

The casks are selected by Wemyss Malts' nosing panel, chaired by whisky writer Charlie Maclean.

Is The Hive non-chill filtered?

Yes, the whisky is non-chill filtered, preserving more natural flavour compounds and a fuller texture.

What is a "negociant" in whisky terms?

A negociant does not distil but instead seeks out, selects and bottles the finest casks from other distilleries, exactly as Wemyss Malts does.

Why aren't the distilleries behind The Hive named?

Wemyss Malts deliberately names its blends after flavour profile rather than distillery, so drinkers focus on the character in the glass rather than the origin.

Is The Hive a good whisky for beginners?

Yes, its soft, honeyed style and 46% ABV make it an approachable introduction to Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.