Whisky Forum - Waitrose Single Malts

nitram · Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 10:05 pm Post subject: Waitrose Single Malts

Anyone tried any Waitrose own Label malts? I have never even noticed these before, but just spotted they have 20% off. Being Waitrose that makes them about the same price now as any other supermarket. They all have "in partnership with Ian MacLeod"? on the label, but I can't see any abv until I get to the physical shop.

I'm not tempted by the 10yr old Speyside on offer at Â£23.20.

However the 12yr old Islay at Â£24 might be worth a try "A limited edition bottling exclusively for Waitrose. Distilled on the coast of Islay, and matured in the finest American and European oak bourbon casks. Made with 100% peated malt for the unmistakable smoky style. Medicinal, soft spice flavours with lingering peat smoke are balanced with toasted oak and gentle vanilla sweetness"?

The Highland Single Malt is Â£25.60, but this is a 16yr old, unusual for a supermarket label. Any guesses as to what is in this one? "A limited edition bottling exclusively for Waitrose. Distilled in the historic northern hills of Scotland and matured in the finest American and European oak bourbon casks. A complex, full-bodied malt, with enticing banana , vanilla and toasted oak aromas, followed by gentle fruitiness, herbal notes, green apples and salted caramel."?

Archer · Master Of Malts Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1519

I havent tried them as there is no Waitrose near me but if the Sainsburys own label bottling which were bottled by Ian Macleod are anything to go by they got to be worth a try at Â£23ish

John · Moderator Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 876 Location: UK

Considering it is bottled by Ian Macleod then there is a good chance that the Waitrose Highland 16 year old originated from Glengoyne or perhaps Tamdhu although Tamdhu is in Speyside but still technically in the Highlands.

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

Any 16 year-old for Â£26.50 is a bargain - very tempting.

TheWM · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 7:33 am Post subject:

I'm having to spend the next few months on supermarket own brands / bargains so will have a look tomorrow and report back.

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

I'm rather tempted with the Islay and the Highland. Any clue as to how long they are on offer for?

nitram · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 9:41 am Post subject:

Only until 11/02 i.e. Tuesday. Think I'll pay a visit this weekend.

bifter · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 1:26 pm Post subject:

albo and I took a scoot to Waitrose at lunch, he bought a bottle of the Highland malt (I went for Waitrose VSOP Armagnac which was 20% off at Â£17.60).

The box says the distillery is 180 years old whereas the Glengoyne 12 sitting on the shelf nearby, in an identically shaped tube, bears the date 1833 on the box. Seems indicative shall we say?
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Crane · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 1:46 pm Post subject:

I always suspected that that the Sainsburys Islay malt bottled by Ian Macleod was Bowmore so perhaps it is the same stuff in the Waitrose Sainsburys Islay. Certainly worth a try.

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

They didn't have any of the Islay on the shelf sadly.

nitram · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 2:44 pm Post subject:

Which branch was that?

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

nitram · Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:06 pm Post subject:

In case anyone is interested - Waitrose in Newton Mearns have a few Islay and Highland left. Judging by the shelf they have been selling well, there were loads of the Speyside left.

James T · Master Of Malts Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Posts: 2966

nitram · Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2014 6:31 am Post subject:

There are two! Newton Mearns and Byres Road. I have heard they are opening another in Helensburgh.