A Scot on Scotch

WHISKY REVIEWS, NEWS, HISTORY & FOLKLORE

A Scot on Scotch reviews the Highland edition of Aldi’s Glen Marnoch Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Raiding the Bargain Bin

Throughout my time writing this blog, I’ve tried to keep one eye on the lower end of the price spectrum. Sampling whiskies that cost an arm and a leg is wonderful but a luxury in life that not everyone gets to experience.

I’m always keen to see what else is out there. To see what bargains can be found. The whiskies of supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl have often hit the spot before so I thought it was about time I revisited their selections. The only single malt currently in stock at my local branch of Aldi was the Glen Marnoch Highland.

Sadly, there’s little in the way of information given about the origins of these whiskies. Such is the way of things. Supermarket chains will approach whisky blenders to source and produce whiskies exclusively for them and secrecy is very much on the agenda. Where in the Highlands this single malt was distilled, is therefore unclear but feel free to hazard a guess if you think you know.

Glen Marnoch is, of course, a brand name, given to Aldi’s Single Malt selections. Any link to the Aberdeenshire village of Marnoch is, I’m sure, coincidental. There are Speyside, Islay and Highland versions of the brand but in this review, I’ll be checking out the Highland version.

Glen Marnoch Highland Review (Aldi)

The label states the whisky was matured for three years in white oak casks. It’s bottled at 40% abv.

Tasting notes: The nose has waxed lemon peel and orange. Heather honey. Green apples and pears. Buttered toast and breakfast cereals. Right at the back there’s a charred oak, charcoal note. The spirit arrives on the palate with stewed fruits, more waxy peels and a big dash of black pepper. There’s also orange marmalade, Hobnob biscuits and runny honey. A subtle oakiness runs round the sides.

Thoughts: There’s a bit of spice that threatens to overpower at times. That might betray the youth of the spirit and at just 40%, you can’t put in too much water or you risk losing the body completely. That said, the nose and the arrival are really pleasant and the fullness of the flavour is more satisfying than you might expect from such a young and affordable dram. I’d have no problem sipping on this of an evening and can see it working well as a long drink in the summer – or even a toddy in the winter.

Price: £18. The Glen Marnoch Highland edition is a perfectly drinkable whisky that’s probably better than you expect it to be.

For more about Glen Marnoch visit here

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