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Haig Club is one of the 2014 releases of Scotch that are worth noting. It hails from the Cameronbridge in Fife distillery, which was established in 1627 by Robert Haig and rebuilt in the 1800's by John Haig. The claim is that it is the oldest grain distillery, though as Master of Malt points out, it was at least the first documented. Late in 2014. Diageo released this new single grain Scotch and it is billed as a whiskey that was "designed to be different." It certainly is and it is quite interesting.
Admittedly, Haig Club will not be to everyone's liking. If you are a fan of the light-bodied Scotch whiskies, such as those from the Lowlands and Highlands or the smooth, soft blended whiskies, then Haig Club is one that you will want to check out. If you gravitate toward the heavy peats and smokier Scotches, then this is one you may want to skip (though I would suggest a sip anyway). That said, it is a fine whisky and an interesting study in single grain Scotch.
Single grain differs from both single malt and blended Scotches because it is produced by a single distillery, typically using other grains along with barley. These whiskies are typically what form the backbone of blended Scotch and it just so happens that Cameronbridge is known for having one of the few single grains available with their popular Cameron Brig. Now, the distillery can add Haig Club to their list and in this bottling you will find a single grain Scotch designed (inside and out) for the modern drinker.
Master Distiller Chris Clark has created this whisky with a selection from refill, American oak, and rejuvenated casks and if you look close enough, the bottle notes only "toasted oak." The modernization of the Scotch continues to the bottle, which is distinctly square and made of a beautiful blue glass.
The taste of Haig Club is luscious and clean. It is a smooth whisky with sweet butterscotch and toffee notes, hints of vanilla and oak. It is not the most noticeable whisky, though it is good and priced right for mixing into the better Scotch cocktails, which is where I think it really shines. Try this one in an Affinity or Robert Burns, or if you are in the mood for something a little more modern, this Scotch Lassie is a great option.
Just in case you were wondering, Haig Club is the Scotch that was has a partnership with David Beckham and Simon Fuller.
About Haig Club:
- Single grain Scotch whisky produced at Cameronbridge, a distillery in the Lowlands region of Scotland.
- Produced by House of Haig, Imported by Diageo
- Released in 2014 (United States in December 2014)
- Retails for around $70/750ml bottle
- 40% alcohol/volume (80 proof)
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