6 Best whiskies from the High Street
Ben Bracken Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky £16.99 at Lidl
Today, I run an independent rule over Lidl’s acclaimed core whisky range. Unlike wine, whisky doesn’t deteriorate quickly. So you could become your own expert by comparing two of these kindly priced malts over time. This is my personal favourite of the trio, with its taste and smell of cappuccino coffee, rich yet restrained smoothness and gentle marzipan sweetness.
Ben Bracken Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky £16.99 at Lidl
Normal strength whisky costs at least £14 in Scotland, so why not trade up to single malts for just £3 more? This Speyside is less weighty and aromatic than some but supplements its traditional flavour with subtle touches of orange, baking spice and mead.
Ben Bracken Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky £16.99 at Lidl
Completing the threesome of well-priced and pleasingly typical single malts comes this Islay version centred, unsurprisingly, on those peat components enjoyed by so many. Less assertive perhaps than other peated versions, it embellishes those classic bonfire and saline influences with smooth cooked apple and caramel flavours.
Balmuir Blended Scotch Whisky £14 at Lidl
Balmuir is the start point, especially for those loving whisky in its young and most intense format. Predictably powerful, weighty and viscous, it also contains ginger and cereal hints leading into a sweetish finish.
Glen Orchy Blended Malt Whisky £15.49 at Lidl
See how five years’ ageing (instead of Balmuir’s three) can help change things appreciably, with this nicely balanced blend. Smoother and with muted intensity, this award-winner delivers mid-weight, relatively dry, nutty, cedar and Christmas cake flavours ably supported by a creamy and treacle toffee texture and mild spiciness.
Abrachan Blended Malt £15.99 at Lidl
As with port and top clarets, blenders can create results that, as here, far exceed the sum of their parts. Soft and smooth, Abrachan combines mint, walnut whip and dried fruit flavours with suggestions of allspice and lively citrus elements, all wrapped in a subtle, but never intrusive, peatiness.
★ Brian Elliott is a wine judge and blogger and a widely read wine writer throughout Scotland who reminds us that promotions can change at short notice. Although prices are verified as the magazine goes to press, shoppers should inquire in store