Four great value supermarket whiskies
Waitrose No.1 8 Year Old
Blended Scotch Whisky (40%) £23
Aged in Bourbon casks, aglow with deep russet gold, this blend unleashes the powerful aromas of mighty maltiness. Savoury notes are spliced with bright lemon and orange peel leading to a very mellow palate. Incredibly smooth, there’s a delicious deluxe biscuit core with just the right level of smokiness. Sweet peaty creaminess and a hint of fudge leave a deeply satisfying finish.
Morrisons Glen Scotia Campbeltown Harbour Single Malt Whisky (40%) £37
Available for £27 until June 2023
Matured in first fill Bourbon barrels, there’s a little bit of dark earthy smoke overlaid with delightful sea spray freshness, excellent balance and a good powerful sweet core. Bourbon maturation is evident without being intrusive and the smoky-spiciness feels boosted by it. With great length, good depth and complexity, the only downside is the spirit feels a tad intrusive neat; a simple fix is to add a splash of water if you so choose.
Tesco Finest Highland Single Malt Whisky 12 yr old (40%) £23
Frangipanify your soul! Good value for a whisky with easy drinkability and enough intrigue to keep you pouring the next dram. After 12 years in American Oak it’s flecked with glimmering pale bronze tints, enticing citrus peel aromas and a whisker of toffee. Fragrant nuttiness abides on the palate, it’s elegant enough with threads of subtle smokiness and a boost of frangipani. Very good for the cash.
Aldi Glen Marnoch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (40%) £17.49
The bottle gets points for being honest and sharing that the maturation in oak casks lasts for a minimum of three years. There’s a roaring punchy peaty scent with depth and an ocean freshness. On the palate it’s decent enough, rounded off with a satisfying whisper of smoke. Brilliant value and one to have on the go for an everyday tot or even to mix into cocktails.
Olly Smith is a TV presenter, wine expert, columnist and author
Photograph: Alun Callender
