A very famous blended whisky, a rather good blend too. Jim Murray awarded Teacher's Highland Cream 90 points in his Whisky Bible.
Fruity, malty aromas. Just a hint of peat smoke with a good dollop of gooey toffee.
Soft smoke, barley malt and manuka honey. Hints of Malt-driven palate with soft spices.
Malt and smoke on the finish. Classic.
This used to be advertised as containing 45% malt. A few years ago it was reduced and the blend has suffered the consequences. The major malt component is Ardmore Legacy (NAS). I bought a bottle of each and mixed them 2/3rds Teachers to 1/3rd Ardmore. I found this to greatly improve the Teachers. The additional Ardmore smoothes out the blend and greatly improves the taste.
Great whisky that in a blind test against single malts like Bowmore and Laphroaig came out on top by non-Islay specific lovers. For less than half the price, it’s a true skint Scotsman’s dream.
Please allow this whisky to breathe before consumption. I made the mistake of drinking it immediately after pouring and it was flat and a bit dull. After 15 minutes and a little aeration with a horn spoon, it came alive. This is very well blended into a cohesive, peat-forward dram. Unfortunately, after the finish is extremely short. I wonder whether this would have been the case 15 years ago. Actually, I am pretty certain it would not have. In light of this, I believe it is best viewed as a blending whisky. I suspect it would go well with Grant's in a 50/50 mix.
I am a single malt drinker, just can't afford it on a daily basis. During the week I drink Teachers neat and really enjoy it with just a few drops of water. If I couldn't afford SM I would be happy with Teachers or black and white.
Still a good blend, but with less Ardbeg in the mix it's not as good as it used to be. Blame cost-cutting and complaints from peat-haters for the change.
