Pig's Nose 5 years

About the Pig's Nose 5 years

Pig's Nose 5 years is a blended Scotch whisky from Scotland. It was created in 1977 by Richard Paterson, Scotland's only third-generation Master Blender. Paterson built the blend around an unusually high 40% malt content. That proportion is what sets Pig's Nose apart from most blended Scotch. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points and a Best Buy rating. Pig's Nose blends single malts from across Scotland. Three hail from Speyside, giving the core its fruity character and malty softness. A Highland malt adds structure and body. The Islay portion is small but adds a subtle grain smokiness. Invergordon grain whisky ties everything together and keeps the whole blend light and clean. The nose opens with malty cereal warmth and sweet vanilla. Butterscotch comes through quickly. Dried fruit and raisins and sultanas add depth in the middle. A note of corn-tinged grain rounds out the base. The sweetness runs through the whole dram but never becomes heavy. It finishes clean and gently sweet, with the malt lingering. The name itself tells a story. In old Scottish usage, something soft as a pig's nose was a mark of real quality. Paterson chose it deliberately. He built the blend in ex-bourbon casks. Those casks keep the grain character light. They push vanilla and butterscotch to the front. The cask choice is part of why this whisky tastes far more considered than its price suggests. Pig's Nose 5 years drinks best neat, at room temperature. Its malt-forward character shows most clearly without dilution. It suits curious newcomers and more experienced drinkers who want a dependable, well-made Scotch. Both will find something worth returning to.