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.
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I love this whisky and I drink it with a little ice. It's a very unique whisky that has a very unique taste. It is a little sweeter than other whisky's but this has a crisp sharp taste that I really like. My pallet isn't like others who can taste caramel, apples or hints of things but I like this. It's also cheap so as a mixer its perfect. I also don't get any headache's the following day when a nightcap turns in to half a bottle. Which is why Im giving it Five Stars!
This whiskey deserves a chance, if you approach it with and open mind and fully understand it's made using grain instead of malting. Therefore it's bound to taste differently to a malt. For me, it needed a few chances and I'm glad I stuck with it - despite the marketing. Haig don't shy away from combining it with 'cola' which works really well. I'm having one now with just ice and it's pale, creamy palette has some really cracking vanilla notes, underlined with oaky notes that leave a lovely honey / toffee apple finish. A dram of this with Vanilla Coke? Bam! It's a whiskey you could have with bbq spare ribs or pulled pork, it's not for aficionados it's for someone who likes a nice spirit drink that is unapologetic in what it does as a GRAIN, gentler whiskey than it's maltier cousins. Honestly, it's a decent general drink that makes a nice whiskey. Chill out people.
All of the 1/2 or 1 stars are completely unfounded. I’ve paid more for worse and less for better, but this is not as bad as some folk make out. Yes it’s a bit harsh, ok it’s not overly complex, but there is definitely a depth of flavour in there, regardless of how you describe it or if you like it. Personally, it’s not my bag, but I can see it’s virtues, definitely when compared to some of the multinational brand owning dross out there.
I’ll be honest.... it’s isn’t too bad at all. More of a bourbon aftertaste and could be mistaken for a slightly spiced whiskey. It isn’t expensive, it isn’t the best malt, but it certainly isn’t unpleasant. Ignore the snobs, give it a go.
Who would have thought Scotch reviews would be such an excellent read ? WOW... So I am at the airport duty free in Orlando, time running out before the flight home and I notice what my wife is buying ( or at least the value of what she is buying ). My budget now is about 70 Pounds :) Never heard of this Haig before, the packaging /marketing looks great but the whole description of the scotch itself was minimal. I decided to take a risk. Here's what I honestly think. First of all , I had no idea about the Beckham connection. Like others I feel the smell is not quite like other scotches. More of an alcohol smell than a scotch smell. The colour is light and the taste is really smooth. No burn at all. So yes, its a dangerous Scotch to drink. I really like it. If it had a more peaty smell I would probably like it more...but hey I am just a guy who had to pick something on the fly at Duty Free. 4 out of 5.GREAT VALUE
