Haig Gold Label (bottled 1974)

Haig Gold Label is a blend consisting of 40% malt and (thus) 60% grain whisky. Apparently it is very popular in Greece. Probably because of the light character. The single malts in this blend are – among others – Glenkinche and Linkwood. The sample I’ll be trying is several years old, because it was bottled in 1974. While no age is stated, it’s been sitting in the bottle for 37 years already.

This is far from poisonous. A wonderful nose of roasted almonds, toffee, candied sugar, nougat, Arabica coffee and nutmeg. A great hint of smoke. A little ‘dirty’, if you know what I mean. Not an off note, whatsoever, though! Great nose.

The same aromas return on the palate, with spices, but the mouthfeel is somewhat… weak (that sounds a bit harsh, considering it is pretty good). It has quite a bitter lining and a slight salty touch.

The medium long finish is feisty and dies a bitter death.

I’ll admit, expectations were low. But they were passed and then some. I don’t mean to say that this is a great blend (and I cannot compare to the current version as I’ve not tried it), but it certainly isn’t bad.

Find where to buy Haig whisky