Peg Whisky has just released their first ever Small Batch Exclusive. Peg Whisky Small Batch Exclusive Series 1 is bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered, there is only 3000 bottles released in Series 1. This whisky is an easy-drinking blended Scotch. I tried this one initially in a Glencarin whiskey glass and then a Tuath Glass the former seemed to focus the dark woody notes and bitter spices. The latter opened up the flavours and and helped me discover more of the depth and layuers of sweet vanilla, chocolate, honey and floral malt.
Peg Whisky started off like all good things do over a drink. Two brothers were enjoying a dram and talking about their love for Whisky, when one of them said ‘How amazing would it be if we could bring out our own Whisky for everyone to enjoy. How exactly would we do that?’ asked the other brother.
After they both agreed that this could be something special, they started on their journey to create a Whisky that was personal to them. Something that would bring together history and legend, with an amazing taste infused with elegance and finally something that will change what we all know and love about Whisky.
This appreciation of drinking with our loved ones combined with tradition has led to the idea of Peg Whisky being formed. We wanted to blend passion with culture and produce Whisky that the whole world can appreciate one dram at a time.
Peg Whisky Small Batch Exclusive Series 1 Information:
Region: Scotland
Distiller: Unknown
Bonder: Peg Whisky
Mashbill: Malt and Grain
Cask: Unknown
Age: NAS
ABV: 46% – 92% Proof
Filtered: Non-Chill Filtered
The Peg Whisky Story
There are many great stories out there about how the term ‘Peg’ came about. With so many variations and not enough evidence, we at Peg Whisky decided to do our own research and here’s what we found: A long time ago in the 20th century, there was a renowned Maharaja from India who was incredibly fond of hosting liquor parties in honour of British officials. These parties were often held after the Maharaja’s favourite horseback game of polo. This ‘liquor party diplomacy’ helped him get what he wanted from his British counterparts. Drink loosened tongues and oiled the wheels of negotiation.
But there was a problem, the Maharaja’s personal officers would drink more than they could handle at these parties. To prevent this from continuing, the Maharaja decided to control the serving measure allowed by passing an order, that no more than two servings should be consumed at any one time and that each one should be no more than two fingers in height.
Now as you might expect, the Maharaja had surrounded himself with personal officers who were shrewd and intelligent. They too knew how to bypass the rules to get what they wanted. While the Maharaja’s order clearly stated only two fingers were to be used in measuring their drink, it was not specified which two fingers these had to be. Therefore, whenever the personal officers requested a drink, they instructed the bartenders to use their index finger and their pinky finger against the glass to be filled with liquor. Hence, from this day forth, whenever this measure is used, it is famously known as a ‘Peg’. So, why not make it a ‘Peg’, but please drink responsibly.
Peg Whisky Small Batch Exclusive Series 1 Tasting Notes:
A limited edition expression from Peg Whisky, this blended Scotch whisky from the Small Batch Exclusive range shows off plenty of vanilla and honey notes. Only 3,000 bottled of Series 1 have been released, bottled up at 46% ABV with no chill-filtration.
NOSE
The nose initially is very rich, with a nice woody overtone, floral malt and sweet vanilla. I’d recommend sitting for a while with this one and warming the glass in your hands. This whisky really opens up and you’ll find warming scents of honey, milk chocolate, orange peel and ginger biscuits.
PALATE
If you have ever worked in a kitchen or bakery, this whisky will stir memories of malty bread dough and sweet biscuits being freshly baked in the morning. The chocolate from the nose appears once again and really reminds me of Terry’s Chocolate Orange. But this sweetness fades quite quickly and is balanced out with bitter notes of baking powder, star anise and nutmeg.
FINISH
There is a lingering baking spice that adds a certain warmth like biting into a malty bread just out of the oven. There is a waxy mouthfeel right at the end of tasting this whiskey. For me this scotch whiskey would be the perfect accompaniment for a sweet dessert or rich cigar.
Where To Buy Peg Whisky Small Batch Exclusive Series 1
Master of Malt, is always a great place to buy blended Scotch whisky at a good price (£45 at the time of review 07th Jan 2021) and this release is also available on their on website.
Every Whiskey Tells a Story, What Will Yours Be?
Sláinte from The Whiskey Trail – EatDrinkExplore – by Paul Kavanagh