The UK’s favourite supermarkerts all offer up their own whisky (Image: MEN)
I confess, I’m a snob. If it’s not Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet or Glenmorangie, I’m not interested.
Present me with a mass-produced mid-market dram and I’ll turn up my nose as if you’ve insulted my mother. It’s estimated that there are over nine million whisky drinkers in the UK, 6.2m of whom enjoy scotch whisky.
That equates to around 12% of the adult population. With whisky remaining a popular choice but the value of our pound decreasing in the supermarket, perhaps it’s time we reconsidered the budget brands.
Rumour has it that things have improved significantly in this area. It seems that the standard ‘budget’ dram is no longer as unpalatable as it once was.
own brand whisky varies in quality and price – but retailers have significantly raised their game.
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The Lidl variety was a good budget option (Image: MEN)
We embarked on a shopping trip to Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, the Co-op and M&S to discover and taste test the cheapest scotch on offer, reports .
Selection was based solely on price and we aimed to use the supermarket’s own or ‘bottled-for’ brand.
The scotch was tasted neat at room temperature.
Lidl BALMUIR Blended Scotch Whisky (£7.25 30cl) 40% vol.
If you’re searching for a good budget option, the German international discount retailer usually delivers, and this instance was no exception.
This whisky had a sharp, peaty aroma with floral undertones. It was incredibly smooth and easy to drink, making it very agreeable and pleasing.
If it were a dog, it would be a golden retriever. Down boy!
3/5.
Don’t miss… [WARNING] [RECIPE]
The Morrisons offering had an odd taste (Image: MEN)
Morrisons Distilled and Blended Scotch Whisky (£7.75 35cl) 40% vol
This offering from Morrison’s was a mixed bag.
Initially, it boasted a pleasant aroma and a rich mouthfeel, but then something unpleasant began to occur.
Despite starting off smooth and tasty, it left an undesirable aftertaste.
It claims to have a fruity, honeyed flavour – it doesn’t. Rough.
2/5.
Co-op Blended Scotch Whisky (£16.00 70cl) 40% vol
I’m a fan of the Co-op, which makes this hard to say. The helpful chap at the till even went out back to find us a half bottle.
We wished he hadn’t because 70cl is a lot of this to drink.
This one certainly has its admirers, but I wasn’t one of them.
It was harsh on the throat (I realise this isn’t a technical whisky-tasting term – but I think you get my drift) with a slightly strange aroma, this really didn’t work for me.
It’s hard to describe the flavours on offer but ‘paraffin’ and ‘despair’ are in my notes, which can’t be good.
Oh dear!
1/5.
The M&S whisky wasn’t too shabby (Image: MEN)
M&S Blended Scotch Whisky (£8.00 35cl) 40% vol
Recall the era when Tripadvisor was flooded with reviews from individuals moaning about tasteless food at restaurants, oblivious to the fact they’d caught the virus?
This whisky was somewhat similar. It was like a dog that had lost its sense of smell – it lacked any nose.
However, it wasn’t too shabby on the palate – boasting a pleasant mouthfeel and a rich aftertaste, it was quite delightful on the tongue. Above average.
3/5.
Tesco Special Reserve (£7.50 35cl) 40% vol
Tesco boasts an extensive selection of whiskies, and this was the most affordable we could find in our local store on that specific day.
Its earthy, peaty aroma and rich full flavour made it one of my top picks. Exceptionally smooth without the harshness found in some other supermarket brands.
Quite good 3.5/5.
Aldi’s £14 bottle was a winner (Image: MEN)
Aldi Highland Earl Special Reserve (£14 70cl) 40% vol
We embarked on this taste test in search of a hidden treasure – and we found it in this bottle.
With a subtle peaty aroma and an almost sweet taste, this was by far the most palatable budget buy I discovered. And it seems to be the cheapest.
This award-winning dram is worth every penny of its £14 price tag. Delicious 4/5.
Verdict – you get what you pay for
Supermarket budget whiskies have certainly stepped up their game.
At least three of the six I tasted were acceptable, and one could even be served to a discerning whisky drinker without fear of a slap. However, the reality is that budget supermarket whiskies in the £7/£14 price range are VERY hit and miss.
For a few more pounds, there are likely superior choices – and you’re less likely to end up with something that would be better suited as paint-stripper.
That being said, if you’re the type who enjoys their whisky with a mixer, some of these are certainly passable.