Highland Black represents an outstanding value for money whisky product. It also lendsitself extremely well to home blending. Try a dram of HB with a teaspoon of your favourite single malt. That will both extend the life of your malt and give you some drinking that is both affordable and enjoyable. In particular you are given a touch of spice and the finish that the HB is lacking. Try blending with any of the more astringent bourbon barrel only malts such as Glen Grant or Aultmore. Works for me.
Due to unforeseen financial difficulties I have been shopping in the £20 range for a while now. All 3 of the Lidl Ben Bracken Single Malt range are worth seeking out and at £17 each are amazing value for money, obviously not particularly old or complex but they are still solid sippers with no off notes or harshness. Top of the list so far has to be the Jameson Crested, absolute steal at £20. Actually finding it quite a nice change shopping around in this price range, still some good whiskys to be had
Honestly this was so good it was 15.99 at Aldi i was our drinking it was literally better than most of the more expansive whiskies that I've had that were 20 quid and up.
Here we are in 23 and this is still very popular at fourteen quid! It has to be one of the best cheapos on offer. If I want a cheap bottle which on my wife's shopping budget happens three or four time a year I go for this. It happens often here that a conversation happens as others grab the ever smaller supplies on the shelf. Everyone is forever on edge that they are stopping this product. This week here in N Wales was an English woman telling everyone her Scottish husband thinks this is the best budget product to come out of his homeland! If your budget is a bottle of this or a bottle of Jack or ding dong go for this!
A lot of brands, especially if they are big types, sell the names rather than quality, and people want to show that they have the money and go for them.
Yes, beats some of the whiskies that are twice the price... We get it from our Aldi stores for around $36 AUD (includes pricing to ship to Australia 🇦🇺 and government tax). Good for the occassional dram. Always good to let it breathe for 15 minutes before drinking (to minimise the 'chemical' note that you pointed out). I would say the smell is acetone like? Can't complain for the price. Always have a bottle on hand so I don't deplete the better tasting ones on the shelf. Also, I don't get the headaches I get with some other cheap whiskies.
In my experience this is a good, flavourful whisky at a very low price. Blends at same or lower price really don't have a flavour, and the only selling point would be the 40% alcohol content. Highland Black is actually tasty. It's possibly the cheapest whisky that you might drink neat or with a splash of water and actually enjoy. You could mistake it for a highland single malt. And it's cheap enough to be a really great mixer and to do that evil thing which whisky snobs hate: it makes for thoroughly excellent whisky and soda over ice. Truly delicious! It actually does do that magical thing of revealing its flavour with a splash of water, and it's a rather nice taste. That alone puts it well ahead of all those blends which sell at lower, similar and even higher price. It's not bad! It's even quite good! Nobody is going to feel disappointed if you serve this. edit: and I like that it has a hint of dryness and smoke. Nothing so strong as an Islay single malt but still a very, very appealing component and also aftertaste. Yes, all comments about this whisky will be *for the price* but for the price it is truly impressive, actually remarkable and surprising. And regardless of price it remains rather impressive and appealing. I'm enjoying it.
Like the piano music in the background. Nice and chilled out. By the way, maybe try and review Lidl's equivalent 'Queen Margot 8 Year' offering. I like both that and this 'Highland Black 8 Year' Blend. Good review by the way. Thank you.
Just been sampling while watching. Pretty much spot on. I think I'm in a bit of a different place as I like to keep a cheap bottle to stop me drinking quality whisky out of hand. For me it's on par or only slightly behind something like chivas 12 but a lot cheaper unless you find a deal. Miles bettered than bells or grouse. For me better than the low end no age statement single malts like glenlivet founders edition or Talisker skye which disguise some pretty unpleasant whisky. Yes obviously you can normally get the odd bottle of quality scotch on a deal at £20ish. And if you don't already have some decent single malts you absolutely should but £13 is a great price for what it is. If you want cheap scotch for whatever reason it's not a bad option at all. The only thing I would add is that I think the bottle and labels are ugly and I'm not going to keep it on display.
Blends, I like Johnny Walker Black Label when it's on offer. Marks and Sparks Kenmore is another excellent blend well under £20. This is definitely Aldis attempt at Jamesons. Perfectly drinkable, very smooth, very decent quality. I drink my blends longer over ice tho, I'm a heathen... 😁
I’m glad I’ve seen this review. I’m really new to whisky and tried Wild Turkey 101 which I enjoyed and then decided to by the Highland Black and didn’t really enjoy it as a comparison. I must admit though I don’t pick up all the flavours yet.
To be fair, knowing what you like and don't like is a great start on the journey. Seems like you prefer the bourbon end of things so maybe explore that a little more (though avoid the cheap ALDI ones of that too, equally poor)
If you got a low budget, the go for one of the Glen Marnochs in ALDI. Highlands or Speyside. Or check out the deals in other supermarkets. Aberlour 10 is frequently at £20. So is Ardmore Legacy
And a noticeably different take on the whisky. The intrigue deepens. The big question for me is, is the sour note at the end the sourness of new oak casks, tired refilled casks, of sulfur, or of something else?
Its a 'scratch map' that I am scratching away as I try whisky from different regions. Actually most of Asia is green under the gold, I just haven't tried whisky from their yet
America is a corrupt nation of lobbyists and big corporations getting in the way of others with their money. Aldi won't be allowed to bring Irish whiskey to the States because of Tennessee brands.
Not too many states in the US allow supermarkets to sell liquor and this is an Aldi only product. That is the reason. I'm in Rhode Island and they don't even allow them to sell beer.
The way I tell whether your drink was good is the following day. Garbage usually makes you feel crappy, like you drank poison. With aldis bluegrass I felt that way...lucky I only had so much. Even just a couple of shots has aweful aftereffects. Aldis whisky seems to have good reviews. I'm afraid of wasting my cash again. should i try the highland earl?. I only needed a few bucks more to afford the real thing. Debating..
About 40% the length of the Ralfy review, and, per minute at least, better. Nice job Vin. I'd like to give this is a go. We'll be in Central Europe in August and I'll keep an eye out for it.
Worst whisky IV ever tasted. Aldis cheaper Highland Earl or even the single grain is nicer than this. This tastes like chemicals and gives you a rotten hangover
![Top 10 Whiskeys for Beginners [Crowdsourced From Whiskey Lovers]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PoeIPrIXUOw/mqdefault.jpg)
Highland Black represents an outstanding value for money whisky product. It also lendsitself extremely well to home blending. Try a dram of HB with a teaspoon of your favourite single malt. That will both extend the life of your malt and give you some drinking that is both affordable and enjoyable. In particular you are given a touch of spice and the finish that the HB is lacking. Try blending with any of the more astringent bourbon barrel only malts such as Glen Grant or Aultmore. Works for me.
Due to unforeseen financial difficulties I have been shopping in the £20 range for a while now. All 3 of the Lidl Ben Bracken Single Malt range are worth seeking out and at £17 each are amazing value for money, obviously not particularly old or complex but they are still solid sippers with no off notes or harshness. Top of the list so far has to be the Jameson Crested, absolute steal at £20. Actually finding it quite a nice change shopping around in this price range, still some good whiskys to be had
Looking forward to watching, not tried any of the Aldi range yet but heard some are pretty decent for the price
Honestly this was so good it was 15.99 at Aldi i was our drinking it was literally better than most of the more expansive whiskies that I've had that were 20 quid and up.
Here we are in 23 and this is still very popular at fourteen quid!
It has to be one of the best cheapos on offer.
If I want a cheap bottle which on my wife's shopping budget happens three or four time a year I go for this.
It happens often here that a conversation happens as others grab the ever smaller supplies on the shelf.
Everyone is forever on edge that they are stopping this product.
This week here in N Wales was an English woman telling everyone her Scottish husband thinks this is the best budget product to come out of his homeland!
If your budget is a bottle of this or a bottle of Jack or ding dong go for this!
This whiskey was just in the news for winning a couple gold medals. It scored higher than whiskeys that are 3 times the price
A lot of brands, especially if they are big types, sell the names rather than quality, and people want to show that they have the money and go for them.
Yes, beats some of the whiskies that are twice the price... We get it from our Aldi stores for around $36 AUD (includes pricing to ship to Australia 🇦🇺 and government tax). Good for the occassional dram.
Always good to let it breathe for 15 minutes before drinking (to minimise the 'chemical' note that you pointed out). I would say the smell is acetone like?
Can't complain for the price. Always have a bottle on hand so I don't deplete the better tasting ones on the shelf. Also, I don't get the headaches I get with some other cheap whiskies.
I call that a 'guard whisky'. Protects your good stuff 🤣
Piss water 😁
Nice review? How would you say this compares to JW Black label?
In my experience this is a good, flavourful whisky at a very low price. Blends at same or lower price really don't have a flavour, and the only selling point would be the 40% alcohol content. Highland Black is actually tasty. It's possibly the cheapest whisky that you might drink neat or with a splash of water and actually enjoy. You could mistake it for a highland single malt. And it's cheap enough to be a really great mixer and to do that evil thing which whisky snobs hate: it makes for thoroughly excellent whisky and soda over ice. Truly delicious! It actually does do that magical thing of revealing its flavour with a splash of water, and it's a rather nice taste. That alone puts it well ahead of all those blends which sell at lower, similar and even higher price. It's not bad! It's even quite good! Nobody is going to feel disappointed if you serve this.
edit: and I like that it has a hint of dryness and smoke. Nothing so strong as an Islay single malt but still a very, very appealing component and also aftertaste. Yes, all comments about this whisky will be *for the price* but for the price it is truly impressive, actually remarkable and surprising. And regardless of price it remains rather impressive and appealing. I'm enjoying it.
Like the piano music in the background. Nice and chilled out. By the way, maybe try and review Lidl's equivalent 'Queen Margot 8 Year' offering. I like both that and this 'Highland Black 8 Year' Blend.
Good review by the way. Thank you.
Thanks!
You're right, I should get some Lidl stuff in. I tend to cover more Aldi stuff because I actually shop there 😂
It's available in Australian ALDI stores.
Just been sampling while watching. Pretty much spot on. I think I'm in a bit of a different place as I like to keep a cheap bottle to stop me drinking quality whisky out of hand. For me it's on par or only slightly behind something like chivas 12 but a lot cheaper unless you find a deal. Miles bettered than bells or grouse. For me better than the low end no age statement single malts like glenlivet founders edition or Talisker skye which disguise some pretty unpleasant whisky. Yes obviously you can normally get the odd bottle of quality scotch on a deal at £20ish. And if you don't already have some decent single malts you absolutely should but £13 is a great price for what it is. If you want cheap scotch for whatever reason it's not a bad option at all. The only thing I would add is that I think the bottle and labels are ugly and I'm not going to keep it on display.
good review. i like your delivery and what you deliver
Thanks very much ☺️ I appreciate you taking the time to watch
Oh. Might this spend a little too long on your whisky shelf then? Nice one Vin.
Blends, I like Johnny Walker Black Label when it's on offer. Marks and Sparks Kenmore is another excellent blend well under £20. This is definitely Aldis attempt at Jamesons. Perfectly drinkable, very smooth, very decent quality. I drink my blends longer over ice tho, I'm a heathen... 😁
I’m glad I’ve seen this review.
I’m really new to whisky and tried Wild Turkey 101 which I enjoyed and then decided to by the Highland Black and didn’t really enjoy it as a comparison. I must admit though I don’t pick up all the flavours yet.
To be fair, knowing what you like and don't like is a great start on the journey. Seems like you prefer the bourbon end of things so maybe explore that a little more (though avoid the cheap ALDI ones of that too, equally poor)
Bourbon gives me a terrible headache
It's normal - man is full of pride and wants something more expensive even if the more expensive is trashy
well done Vin!!!
Nice review :) It sucks that none of the big supermarket chains sell their whisky in Denmark.
Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters
Just said this wisky is the best in the world...
What’s your favourite blended whiskey I’d love to know
I think Johnnie Walker Green Label is probably my favourite
I like you Vincent. Always have. Always will.
Was looking into trying this but under you say can get better fpt just a little more. Anything you recommend for a Novice please
If you got a low budget, the go for one of the Glen Marnochs in ALDI. Highlands or Speyside. Or check out the deals in other supermarkets. Aberlour 10 is frequently at £20. So is Ardmore Legacy
@@NoNonsenseWhisky many thanks will give one a try
'bulk drinking'
Great juxtaposition to see your review next to Ralfy's.
And a noticeably different take on the whisky. The intrigue deepens. The big question for me is, is the sour note at the end the sourness of new oak casks, tired refilled casks, of sulfur, or of something else?
Why the heck is india coloured in green in the back.....
Green house?
Green area?
Whiskey consumed?
Its a 'scratch map' that I am scratching away as I try whisky from different regions. Actually most of Asia is green under the gold, I just haven't tried whisky from their yet
Aldi sells glen moray better off with a botte of that.
There are Aldi stores opening in the Maritimes during. To bad Aldi wouldn't selling booze.
Sounds like a decent whisky as I'm sitting with a few Famous Grouses and if it holds up then its worth me finding a bottle, to Aldi I go! Cheers Vin!
I suspse you get what you pay for in fairness.
100%
When you turn the bloody awful muzak off I might pop back.
Do you turn the radio / tv on or off when you have visitors?
Actually we do put background music on when we have visitors 😂
I would give it a go if we had Aldi here just for shits & giggles...
I wonder why the Aldis in the united states sell wine and beer but not whiskey, rum, tequila, and other hard liquors?
America is a corrupt nation of lobbyists and big corporations getting in the way of others with their money. Aldi won't be allowed to bring Irish whiskey to the States because of Tennessee brands.
I've looked everywhere in the US and you can't get it.
It's a shame you can't try it, but you're honestly not missing out on much
Not too many states in the US allow supermarkets to sell liquor and this is an Aldi only product. That is the reason. I'm in Rhode Island and they don't even allow them to sell beer.
The way I tell whether your drink was good is the following day. Garbage usually makes you feel crappy, like you drank poison. With aldis bluegrass I felt that way...lucky I only had so much. Even just a couple of shots has aweful aftereffects. Aldis whisky seems to have good reviews. I'm afraid of wasting my cash again. should i try the highland earl?. I only needed a few bucks more to afford the real thing. Debating..
About 40% the length of the Ralfy review, and, per minute at least, better. Nice job Vin. I'd like to give this is a go. We'll be in Central Europe in August and I'll keep an eye out for it.
Es un whisky decente, pero ni mucho menos de los mejores.
Gracias por ver
First!
It's a good cheap whisky but you can still tell it's a cheap whisky
Worst whisky IV ever tasted. Aldis cheaper Highland Earl or even the single grain is nicer than this. This tastes like chemicals and gives you a rotten hangover