Highland Black 8 Year Old Special Reserve

The Highland Black 8 Year Old Special Reserve, bottled at 40% ABV and sold through Aldi, is a budget-friendly blended Scotch that’s earned surprising praise—even winning a gold medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters. Here’s what you can expect:

Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla cream, and a touch of peanut butter. Some tasters also note floral hints and a faint smoky wisp.

Palate: Malty and smooth, with flavors of crushed biscuits, caramel, ginger, and honey. There’s a nice balance of sweetness and spice.

Finish: Grainy and fruity, with lingering notes of vanilla and green apple skin. It’s clean and slightly dry, with a touch of pepper and caramel warmth.