Alistair Graham’s Highland Earl Blended Scotch

Highland Earl Blended Scotch Whisky, bottled by Alistair Graham Ltd. Is a budget-friendly dram with a surprisingly nuanced profile for its price. Here’s what reviewers and tasters have noted:

Nose: Light and creamy, with hints of custard, banana, and oak. There’s a touch of golden syrup sweetness and a faint toasted cereal note when water is added.

Palate: Very light mouthfeel. Initial flavors of golden caster sugar and vanilla are quickly overtaken by dry, bitter wood. Water softens the rough edges but enhances the bitterness, so it’s often better neat.

Finish: Short and slightly dry, with a lingering bitterness and a whisper of sweetness.

This 3-year-old blend is bottled at 40% ABV and is chill-filtered with added coloring. While it’s not a connoisseur’s dream, it’s often praised for being pleasant on the nose and super affordable—making it a decent mixer or entry-level sipper.