A Head-Turning Blended Scotch for a Wide Audience
Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)
“It’s a superbly easy-drinking blended Scotch that checks all the boxes for a high-quality whisky and offers so much more intrigue than I was expecting.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

While the focus of our Scotch program is undoubtedly the single malts, especially our K&L exclusive casks, our spirits buyers are always on the lookout for a surprise performer in the blended category, and they’ve found one in the Sassenach. Made predominantly from 9- to 12-year-old whiskies, over half of them single malts, it’s clear the producers put some serious ingredients into this one, and it shows. With a polished character that reminds us of other top-tier, boutique blends like those from the beloved Compass Box and an easy-going profile designed to appeal to a huge audience, it’s a no-brainer to stock on the bar.

Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 27, 2023

The Sassenach blend is not your typical celebrity brand. Someone figured out that if you’re going to bother to make a whisky that’s going to be purchased by millions of potentially non-Scotch drinking fans, it’d better be pretty damn good. That’s a stark contrast from celebrity brands, which often seem comfortable marketing to the lowest common denominator at inflated luxury prices. But I’m not the only one to say that this is actually solid juice. It’s earning golds and double golds from every prominent awards show out there. There’s not a lot of information about the source, though there seems to be a connection to the Loch Lomond distillery, but there’s no question that there’s some solid old malt and grain in here. And rightfully so, as it’s not by any means a value brand. In any case, let’s give it a whirl. The color is a vibrant pale gold. On the nose, it starts off rather malty with clean stone fruit and pretty hints of yellow flowers and scrubby herbs. With some air, a more honeyed character appears, but the clean, rich malt is the star of the show. The palate is zesty with hints of lemon balm, great malty character, baking spice, and toasted vanilla bean. The 92 proof is welcome, and it seems as though they’ve put significant amounts of malt, and of no uncertain quality level, to bring an excellent-quality product to the table.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 20, 2023

Skeptical would be the correct word. I was highly skeptical going into tasting this whisky. Sure, Outlander is a great show. Sure, it takes place in Scotland. Sure, Sam Heughan is actually Scottish and looks like he can do no wrong. But that’s a far cry from what I need to be able to stock a whisky on our shelf. As a rule, we shy away from celebrity branded anything, but also as a rule, I’ll taste just about anything to see if I’m surprised by the quality of the product itself. Indeed, I am surprised. This 46%-ABV, non-chill-filtered, no-color-added, blended Scotch has a huge proportion of malt in it (over half!). That’s massive compared to most blended Scotch, even on the ultra-premium end. It’s put together by Master Blender Michael Henry from the Loch Lomond group, one of the most versatile distilleries in all of Scotland. As far as what I’m looking for in a blended Scotch, the Sassenach reminds me more of Compass Box than it does of Chivas or Johnnie Walker, a very good thing in my book. The nose is a pretty mix of chocolate malt, buttered toast, and vanilla with a healthy dollop of ripe stone fruits, a little peach pit, and a savory/sweet marzipan note. The palate is complete and full. Mouth-filling with just enough bite to be pleasantly engaged. The finish is medium in length and very pleasant. It won’t scratch the high-proof, single-cask, ultra-complex itch, but it’s not designed to do that, so I can’t judge it that way, even though it’s my personal default. It’s designed to be sexy (the package looks great), sleek, approachable, and dare I say, quaffable. It’s a superbly easy-drinking blended Scotch that checks all the boxes for a high-quality whisky and offers so much more intrigue than I was expecting. If you’re a fan of the show and love having a tasty bottle of Scotch on the bar, to simply pour and enjoy glass after glass, this is perfect.

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