Bought: Whisky Auction, 5th October 2016
Ratings:
85.86/100 – Whiskybase (average from 9 member votes)
In the summer of 2015 I had a tasting session of vintage blends. I confess I’m inclined to be a diehard single malt fan but I’m prepared to try new things. On the menu were Queen Anne, Vat 69, Glenshiel and Haig Gold Label. The first three were rather dull but just when I thought I’d wasted my evening I tried the Haig Gold Label from the 1970s (or possibly 1960s). Wow, what a fantastic dram! So good in fact that I vowed to find a full bottle. It took over a year to get one at auction but I finally did it.
I’ve seen Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible sometimes use the word “chewy” to describe a whisky but I’d never experienced that sensation on the pallet until the Haig Gold Label. It was wonderfully thick, complex and rewarding. Not surprising that it scores so well on Whiskybase where someone remarks “these older Haig bottles are really good value. Thick and syrupy but you have to like old caramel notes to really get the best from it.” In November 2016 a bottle from the 1970s sold for £22.50 at auction but they can sometimes make up to £60 depending on condition.
Tasting notes found online that I agree with are (with slight edit):
Nose: Spices, herbs, honey, tobacco, creamy, dark chocolate, light smoke, dried orange slices, red and dark berries – delicious!
Taste: Creamy, oily, round and powerful! Salt, black pepper, leather, chocolate, cocoa and light herbs. Added to this is a maritime note.
Finish: Long – perfectly matched! Creamy chocolate pudding (high-quality, dark chocolate with high cocoa content). The same aromas as before, but still more harmonious.
Whisky Den 