Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no case, according to our editorial policies, influenced the final result of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the purchase link In this review, our site receives a small referral payment which helps support, but does not influence, our editorial and other costs.
“As soft as a pig’s nose.” I can’t attest to having ever heard this phrase before picking up this bottle. I’ve visited a petting zoo or two in my life, and not once have I felt like assessing the relative softness of a pig’s nose. I’ll believe it, it’s smooth.
Pig’s Nose is a blended Scottish whiskey of Ian Macleod Distillers, which has a variable stable or enclosure, of Scotch whiskey brands. They have single malts as well as blended labels in their portfolio. If you own many single malt distilleries, the ability to have blended scotch labels seems easier.
Pig’s Nose is a blend of Lowland, Highland and Speyside scotches. The blended whiskey is then aged in mainly ex-bourbon white oak barrels, with some barrels being first fill. I haven’t been able to confirm much beyond that in my research. Some claim it is around 5 years old, but aside from that speculation I haven’t been able to find that information for sure.
The brand came up with a few cocktail recipes in the spirit of the spooky season.
Blushing Pig
Pour the following into a shaker:
- 25 ml of blood orange juice (no blood needed!)
- 25 ml of sweet vermouth
- 25 ml cherry liqueur
- 25ml Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whiskey
Shake, then strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with orange zest soaked in strong rum.
The pig’s father
On a block of ice in a straight-sided tumbler glass, add:
- 50ml Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whiskey
- 25-50 ml of Ameretto
Stir, then garnish with orange zest and almond crumbs on half the rim of the glass.
I don’t know what this has to do with Halloween or scotch, but if you want something to do with your scotch, here you go. It’s possible that whiskey is better suited to cocktails. THE distillery provided Tasting notes are a nose of firm, rich orange peel, caramel and luscious, creamy round tones with a smooth, sweet taste with a touch of spice and slightly coastal.
Every whiskey should fill a roll – it should answer someone’s call. There is a place for ultra-premium scotch and there is a need for inexpensive bourbon. Whether you’re making a cocktail, drinking a cigar with friends, or needing a nightcap, it should have a place where it excels. Pig Nose sits in a crowded field when it comes to cheap, accessible, non-distinctive blended scotch. The tasting notes didn’t leave much hope that this bottle would bring something different to the other blended scotches in the field. With that, we turn the glass.
We’re looking at Pig Nose Blended Scotch, a blend of Lowland, Highland and Speyside scotches aged in mostly ex-bourbon white oak barrels, with some barrels being first fill. (image via Ian Macleod Distillers)
Tasting notes: Scotch mixed with pork nose
Vital Stats: 5 year old blended Scotch; 45% abv or 90 proof; $21.99.
Appearance: Summer straw
Nose: Moist and soft, favored bananas and a hint of salty brine.
Taste: Salty brine with a peaking smoky taste. There is charred oak that gives way to the sweetness of raw sugar and soft pine. The mouth is watery and gives a little tingling to the palate. As I approached the finish, I found leather and maple syrup with a light body and medium staying power.
