When taking a break I find I’m immersing myself in M.C.Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth series of books set way up in the Highlands of Scotland, where whisky is the drink of choice, so when a bottle of HAIG CLUB whisky arrived te at Frost, it was perfect timing.
‘Yes, please, a dram would be lovely.’ But was it actually?
I should say so. Scrumptious and I am somewhat of an expert because it was my dad’s favourite tipple, especially at Christmas. And the affection for the drink has clearly been handed down.
In particular I remember when Dad’s long lost son turned up (from a previous relationship), and the pair of them sat like peas in a pod but with the sense of awkwardness that is bound to accompany such reunions. After all, Young Bill was heading for 60 and Old Bill, (Dad) in his 80s.
Out came the whisky, and the pair of them sat, each running a finger down the glass, Young Bill dressed so similarly to Dad that it was uncanny, as were the gestures. It transpired it was his favourite drink too, so the ice was broken, and the catch up began.
But as a drink, how does HAIG CLUB fare?
HAIG CLUB, is an excellent Single Grain Scotch Whisky from the House of Haig, created in partnership with David Beckham. It has a glorious bottle, a striking square design, which brings a contemporary look to Scotch and should please existing whisky lovers and encourage newcomers to the scene.
Crafted using a process that combines grain whisky from three cask types, HAIG CLUB has a fresh flavour with a sense of butterscotch and toffee for a smooth taste. I found it good over ice, but it would work equally well in long drinks, or cocktails which are popular. (Not one for Dad I have to say)
HAIG CLUB CLUBMAN is the latest addition to the House of Haig collection: vibrant and modern, the CLUBMAN will tempt initially through its distinctive elongated square bottle.
It has been matured exclusively in American Oak casks that have previously held bourbon, allowing the sweet, soft Single Grain Scotch Whisky from Cameronbridge to interact with the vanilla, butterscotch and sweet toffee flavours found in the casks. The result is a smooth sweet Scotch which pairs beautifully with cola.
A chic miniature HAIG CLUB (5cl) is also available, making Haig Club a pretty nice stocking filler and party accessory this Christmas.
Won’t hurt to drink it whilst reading about one of Hamish’s adventures either.
HAIG CLUB 70cl: RRP £45 (Available from major grocers including Waitrose, Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, Selfridges, and Amazon)
HAIG CLUB CLUBMAN 70cl: RRP £25 (Available from major grocers including Waitrose, Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, and Amazon)
HAIG CLUB 5cl: RRP £5.99 (Available from Amazon, Selfridges and The Whisky Exchange)