While the name, labelling & general packaging all allude to a superior product- even if it’s a regular Indian made whisky using imported Scotch malt blended with Indian grain.
So much in the whisky world hinges on desirability, exclusivity & limited runs – often to the detriment of what really matters to me – taste.
Royal Envy seems to be the ‘crowning glory’ of that exclusivity bubble – although it might be tainted by a certain royal payment to quieten a paedophilia scandal.
But a smoky Indian whisky is something I’d like to savour.
Whiskey finished in an ever increasing array of fancy casks appears to be de rigueur right now – so it’s always refreshing to get back to basics with an ex-bourbon cask only Irish Whiskey.
Even if ex-bourbon maturation only became a ‘thing’ due to American Bourbon legislation which states new – or virgin – American oak casks must be used in the production of bourbon – resulting in all those once used casks being shipped to Ireland to be refilled to mature our whiskey.
I’ve been taking an interest into how the lower price range of spirits have reacted to the Minimum Unit Pricing Of Alcohol – MUP.
Previously having featured blogs of both whiskey & rum for sub €20 – and really enjoying a few of them too – MUP wiped all that out to a standard €22.09 for 700ml at 40%.
Now there’s been stories of beer being brewed to a lower ABV to keep to a certain price point. This isn’t an option for spirits with legally enforced alcohol strengths.
Which leaves bottle sizes.
Lidl were ahead of the pack offering their tasty Liberté Rum, Captain Cook Spiced Rum & Rachmaninoff Vodka in 500ml versions to keep prices low.
Buying & consuming less alcohol is one of the stated aims of MUP. Lidl appear to be facilitating this.
Personally I’m all in favour of smaller bottles.
As a blogger I enjoy tasting far & wide. Smaller pack sizes allows a bigger variety for a smaller outlay.
Environmentally it’s a bit of a no no.
Smaller containers means more of them, more packaging, increased costs & ultimately – more waste.
Having said that – when Queen Margot 3yo Scotch appeared in 350ml for just over €11 – I thought I’d give it another spin!
I admire the no nonsense, utilitarian approach & unpretentiousness of this whisky.
There’s a caramel rich nose with a spirity sensation.
Smooth palate, quite rich with hints of warm woodiness.
Suggestions of tannic prickly spice on the rear slowly fading away.
Queen Margot is a perfectly presentable easy drinking dram of a whisky. No rough edges, the usual whisky flavours with an alcoholic warmth too.
If only more brands offered 350ml alternatives I’d probably be inclined to purchase them.
Pegged at 10 cent per gram of alcohol it has effectively wiped out the sub €20 bottle of spirits I enjoyed reviewing.
Lidl & Aldi before MUP
Photographing the shelves of Lidl & Aldi beforehand – all stores have to comply – displays a range going from €14.49 for Samuel Joe’s & Western Gold Bourbon to €20 for Bushmills & Jameson Original.
Lidl & Aldi after MUP
Afterwards all these offerings are at the new minimum price of €22.09.
How the market for those previously sub €20 brands will fare out is hard to predict – I did however purchase a few before the price increase – as is the impact of MUP pricing in reducing the harmful effects of excess alcohol on Irish society.
One thing’s for certain though – The Time’s They Are A Changin’ 🎶
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 