In a market where premium single malts can command hundreds of pounds, the notion of a litre of Scotch whisky for under £20 seems almost implausible. Yet, that is precisely what retail giant Amazon is now offering with its own-label 'Special Reserve' blended whisky. Priced at a startling £18.43 for a full litre, it prompts immediate scepticism. Could a dram this cheap possibly be any good? We put it to the test.
The Price Point That Raises Eyebrows
To fully grasp how audacious this price is, some comparisons are necessary. A favourite like Penderyn Portwood Edition single malt works out to approximately £82.86 per litre. Even a mainstream blended whisky such as Johnnie Walker Black Label costs around £47.13 per litre. Amazon's offering undercuts the famously affordable Famous Grouse by over £3 per litre. With such a drastic cost reduction, one naturally assumes significant compromises in quality and production.
The whisky is described as a blend "matured in American oak casks for three years" and bottled at a standard 40% ABV. It's crucial to remember that blended whisky, while often more affordable than single malt, isn't inherently inferior. It combines malt and grain whiskies to create a specific profile, though cheaper blends like this are typically mass-produced, not craft spirits. The expectation, therefore, was set very low.
The Tasting: A Shock to the System
Upon first inspection, the whisky looks and smells as one would expect. The real surprise came with the first sip. Contrary to fears of a harsh, unpalatable spirit, the experience was far from a disaster. Served neat, it presented a sweeter profile than anticipated, with subtle hints of caramel and vanilla. The official tasting notes mention dried fruits, though these were less discernible.
The finish proved smoother than the price tag would suggest, possessing only a slight rough edge that didn't necessitate adding water. Experimenting with a couple of drops did soften it further, releasing a touch more fruitiness, but complexity is not this dram's forte. This is a straightforward, unpretentious drink. It lacks the creamy mouthfeel or depth of a fine single malt, but it is remarkably approachable and far from the harsh 'dishwater' one might fear.
Verdict: Who Is This Whisky For?
The ultimate conclusion is unexpectedly positive. Amazon's Special Reserve is not a remarkable whisky, but it is certainly not unpalatable. It stands its ground against other mainstream blends and represents a remarkable achievement for the price. It's a spirit you can sip casually without overanalysing, making it ideal for an undemanding evening dram.
It won't convert whisky connoisseurs who disdain blends, but for the budget-conscious drinker, it's a genuine contender. At an equivalent of under £13 for a standard 70cl bottle, it offers undeniable value. It also serves perfectly as a base for cocktails or a mixer, where adulterating a more expensive bottle might feel like a waste. As the reviewer notes, it's even suitable for the 'back of the cupboard' reserve for less discerning guests.
In an era of rising costs, finding a Scotch that is both drinkable and this affordable is, much like the whisky itself over ice, a refreshing surprise. Amazon has managed to bottle a spirit that, against all odds, is far better than it has any right to be.
