scottish leader original blended scotch whisky
A smooth and balanced blended Scotch whisky, known for its sweet and subtly smoky character, making it approachable for both new and experienced whisky drinkers.
Scottish Leader Original Blended Scotch Whisky is a testament to the art of Scottish blending, bringing together a carefully selected combination of malt and grain whiskies. With a notably higher malt content than many standard blends, it delivers a rich and full-bodied experience. The blend's heart is often attributed to single malt whisky from the Deanston Distillery, combined with other quality whiskies to create a harmonious and versatile spirit. It is celebrated for its silky smooth texture and a balanced flavor profile that offers notes of sweetness, spice, and a gentle hint of smoke. This award-winning whisky is widely enjoyed globally, a reflection of its consistent quality and approachable style.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Rich sherry, fruit & nut chocolate, delicate spice, green apples, malty biscuits, and a touch of light peat smoke. Strong, rich, and slightly smoky fruit with hints of malt, sherry, and sweet oak.
Palate: Full and rich with toffee and nuts, well-balanced. Full-bodied with toffee and stone fruit flavors, smooth, spicy but balanced.
Recognition
International Spirits Challenge: Winner in 1997 and 2001.
The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business):
Master (Blended: Standard) - 2015
Gold (Blended: Standard) - 2020
Gold (Blended – No Age Statement) - 2019
Food Pairings
Sweet and Savory Snacks: Chocolate, cheese.
Sweet and Savory Snacks: Chocolate, cheese.
Nuts: Stronger whiskies pair well with sweeter nuts, while sweeter whiskies go well with bitter nuts. Roasted nuts are good with smokier drams.
Dark Chocolate: Especially dark chocolate with ginger.
Meats: Venison, elk, steak, or meat with subtle smokiness. Also pairs well with haggis.
Fish Dishes: Many fish dishes, including hot-smoked salmon or with oysters (a few drops on top).
Cheeses: Creamier cheeses like camembert, mild goat's cheese, cream cheese, mature cheddar, gouda, or strong blue cheeses.
Desserts: Apple or rhubarb crumble, crème brûlée (with grain whiskies).
Serving Suggestions
Neat: To appreciate the full spectrum of its flavors.
On the Rocks: A few ice cubes can mellow the spirit and open up certain aromas.
With a Splash of Water: Adding a few drops of water can help release flavor molecules, making the whisky more aromatic and the taste more pronounced.
Interesting Facts
Scottish Leader has a higher concentration of selected malts than many other blended whiskies.
The brand as we know it today was established in the 1940s, though its origins date back to the late 19th century.