The Sassenach Blended Scotch

Sassenach; a noun meaning outsider or stranger; Scottish Gaelic; circa 1700s. The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky is the creation of Scottish Actor Sam Heughan (Outlander) and Master Blender Michael Henry of Loch Lomond Distillery. Sam Heughan and Michael Henry share their love of the Scottish Highlands with the world in the traditional Scottish manner, crafting an exceptional whisky. The Sassenach represents the outsider, the nonconformist, and those who forge their own path. A distinctive blend, The Sassenach is a limited batch release made up of Scottish single malt and grain whiskys that showcase the pure water and firm oak found in the secluded glens and ancient peaks of the Scottish Highlands. Wherever your journey takes you, The Sassenach will offer a warm welcome with the spirit of the Highlands. The Whisky The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky is a proud product of Scotland, inspired by the Highland landscape. It's a unique spirit blended almost perfectly, using carefully selected single malts aged between 9 and 20 years. These selected single malts are then combined with a 20-year-old Organic Single Grain Scotch Whisky to create an almost perfectly balanced whisky. The single malts are handpicked by Master Blender Michael Henry, then blended and finished in Madeira Wine casks, adding complexity and richness. Afterward, the addition of the 20-year-old Organic Single Grain Scotch Whisky enhances the single malts and brings out more delicate subtle flavors that continue to greet you with a warm welcome throughout your experience. The Sassenach is bottled elegantly at a smooth 46% ABV and will leave you wanting more. Color: Vibrant Gold Upon nosing, a mix of tart fruits, delicate perfume, and creamy sweetness offers a warm welcome. This wonderful concoction is accompanied by notes of citrus fruits, orange peel, honey, apricots, cocoa, buttercream, ripe peaches, and it leans heavily towards floral notes. The fruitiness and floral notes are amplified on the somewhat thick and complex palate with notes of orange zest, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, slight oakiness, and cracked pepper, which beautifully balances the sweetness. The finish is long and continues to welcome you to the spirit. The sweetness diminishes slightly, giving way to more vanilla, licorice, oak, and some lingering pepper.

An outstanding dram. Well-balanced, refined, and delicious. Nose: Rated 4.0/5. A subtle hint of the sea, orchard fruits (peaches, apricots), and a general cereal sweetness. It's a little understated but solid, with no negative aspects. Palate: Rated 4.75/5. The highlight. Abundant fruit, with an oily and rich texture. Hints of aged leather/barn hay/oak vanilla. A faint butterscotch sweetness reminiscent of bourbon concludes it. Superb. Finish: Rated 3.75/5. Lingering and smooth, with minimal burn. A slightly off-putting musty note is present.

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality of this blend; it's among the finest I've encountered. The nose is rich, sweet, fruity, and malty. The palate reveals layers of honey and fruit, with just enough spice to be engaging. I would struggle to differentiate it from a fine Highland whisky and it actually reminds me of a personal favorite distillery. I will certainly keep this stocked.

Sampled neat in a Glencairn. The color is pale straw with a peach undertone. The aroma is delicate and clean, with oak upfront accompanied by hints of flowers and iodine. The flavor is more pronounced and complex. Initially, it seems typically coastal, but this impression fades quickly. It possesses a honeyed quality followed by oak tannins and, surprisingly, Sichuan peppercorns. The finish is long and suggests peat.

Fruity and floral notes dominate the aroma, with a light citrusy hint on the exhale. The fruitiness briefly translates to the palate before shifting to zesty and peppery notes that balance the sweetness. A subtle sweetness combined with dominant spicy tones lingers on the palate for an extended period. A truly intriguing and complex blended Scotch!

The nose is orchard fruit stewed in honey, cinnamon, and cloves. The palate is sweet and spicy. The mouthfeel is thick and creamy, expanding into a warm syrup of baking spices and ginger. The finish is… honestly, delicious. Vanilla custard smooth with a lingering heat that makes you want another sip.