Highland Black 8 Year

Great with pepsi

This is an own brand scotch from the discount supermarket Aldi. Once opened and sitting a while it has a muted nose, lightly floral and chocolaty with whiteboard marker undertones. It’s very thin but it has a pleasant taste of biscuit, honey, toast, matchstick, and toffee. The finish is dry with a bit of sour sharpness. Altogether it’s an agreeable sweetness without being at all complex. This is as good as any other blend. It costs €19. That makes it cheaper than JW Red, JW Black, Famous Grouse, Grant’s Family Reserve, Teachers Highland Cream, and Black & White. In my opinion it is slightly better than all those listed, but I'm not going to replace the bottle.

Ok, pleasantly surprised by this. As an ALDI private label - and the super cheap price point - I was quite skeptical. But I got it as a gag gift so I figured I’d give it a go anyway. I read online that one of the sources is William Grant and Sons in Scotland, maker of Balvenie and Glenfiddich. Nose is a bit harsh and astringent at first, but some elements of cinnamon and creme brûlée can be found. Opens up and softens with some air. On the palette, a little bit of toffee, baking spices, and butter. Thin on mouthfeel. Finish is very short and disappears. I can definitely taste the Spey side flavours, which are the ones I like anyway. Give the dram a little time in the glass and the air brings out predominantly honeyed sweetness. It’s rather one note, but it’s not a terrible note. Very easy drinker, could be a cheap daily dram. Even better that It’s easy to find at ALDI here in Australia. Guess I’ll keep the bottle after all!

Not the best, but really good value for money, only $34. Price for similar whiskies should be Bouton $50-70.