And not just a regular Haig Gold Label, but one from the 1940’s. According to the supplier the whisky was distilled between 1945 and 1950, and bottles at 12 years old, most likely the early sixties.

I don’t know much about the company, except that the name Haig is synonymous with a vast whisky empire in the 1800’s. I’m currently reading ‘Scotland’s Lost Distilleries’ (see the bottom of the page) and I have encountered that name countless times.

Nose:
A very full nose right away. Dough, complex with a hint of sulphur, cereal and wood. Its quite a heavy oily dram thus far.

Taste:
The flavour is, again, quite a full blast. A little viscous which I didn’t expect from a 43% blend. It does have a bit of a byte.

Finish:
The finish is very smooth, with the cereal and wood again. Also a little fruit here and there, but nothing spectacular.

As with many blends, I find it very hard to pinpoint flavours and scents. What I do know is that this one does not have the thinness or lightness I expect from blended whisky. There is quite a lot going on and the flavours are a lot bolder than you find in regular blends nowadays.

Haig Gold Label, 12 years old, 43%, 75cl, imported into Italy. Samples available for 2,50 at Rare Whisky Site.

Nose: 8
Taste: 7
Finish: 7
Overal experience: 8
Price/quality: +2

Total: 32 points