The much anticipated David Beckham endorsed single grain whisky, produced at Cameronbridge distillery. A combination of first-fill, rejuvenated and refill bourbon barrel-matured whiskies are used and Beckham, along with Simon Fuller, is very much involved in the development of the Haig Club brand.
The Haig dynasty meanwhile is the stuff of legend, with Robert Haig getting himself into trouble for distilling on the sabbath back in 1655! Cameronbridge was founded by John Haig in 1824, and a continuous still designed by Robert Stein (who was John's uncle) was soon installed at the site for the production of grain whisky, predating Aeneas Coffey's famous patent for his own version of the continuous still by a handful of years.
The grain whisky produced at Cameronbridge would naturally become integral to the well-loved Haig blended whiskies and now the Haig brand has been reinvented for a new generation and new markets. It may seem like a scary new world to some, but grain whisky is on the march, and Haig Club is at the very forefront.
It doesn't jump out at you, granted, but there's more here than meets the eye (/nose). Apple crumble, expressed lemon peel and a touch of mango. Millionaire's shortbread, banoffee pie, coconut milk, dried grass, orange Turkish delight and cardamom.
Toffee and vanilla with pleasant supporting oak notes. Fresh banana (neither overpowering nor artificial), a hint of nougat and honeycomb pieces.
Praline, cinnamon and a little ginger with perhaps a hint of cardamom returning right at the death.
Approachable, adaptable, good mouthfeel (I chucked some ice in afterwards and the texture was great). A hugely accessible whisky with tasty spice, toffee and, with the ice now, increasingly some tropical fruit notes too.
I have broad tastes in Scotch (and Irish!). I bought a bottle as it was on special offer - now I know why. I can't think of a whisky I have disliked more - ever. I was genuinely shocked by how bad it was and disposed of it immediately. A year later I can still recall the taste - rather like when you have food poisoning and can never eat the culprit dish again..... I wonder how long it will survive.
Do not waste your money on this whiskey it is almost like paint thinner.
Picked some up from the Coop. We all know grains are part of blended scotch, but I thought this must be a clever use of high quality grain to produce a distinctive and different drink. Wrong! Imagine the cheapest of blends, then take away any hints of depth. Add in an industrial taste and you've got Haig Club. Would appeal to Vodka lovers who can't stomach single malt.
Bought a bottle for the Christmas drinks hamper. Disappointed. Wouldn't buy again. Has no real guts or character for me, even as a mixer. Personally would go for a Famous Grouse or a Whyte and Mackay.
This is a sociable drink. It does not price itself as a good single malt or, indeed, pretend to be. Surprisingly smooth, easy to drink and enjoyable. Drink straight...goes down OK. If you want a single malt, buy a single malt.
