The next edition in my affordable blended whisky series; this week, I look at the Catto’s blended Scotch whisky. It retails for around R 300 in South Africa. It is affordable and in a similar price range as the Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky.
James Catto began his retail business in 1861 in Aberdeen and wanted to blend high-quality Highland malt with some accessible (probably also more affordable) Lowland grain whisky.
Grain whisky distilling has been around since around 1810 and was (still is) considerably cheaper and easier to make than malt whisky.
Interesting how many whiskies started their life story in a grocery store. Brands like Johnnie Walker, Teacher’s, Chivas and Famous Grouse all have a link to a grocery store.
James locked himself away in his basement and experimented until he created a blended whisky that he liked.
He sold whisky in his shop, and as a result of his connection to the founders of P&O and White Star shipping, his whiskies were soon exported all over the world.
The brand is owned by the International Beverages Group. Today Catto’s is created by Master Blender Stuart Harvey. The heart of Catto’s whisky is formed by unpeated single malts from among others Balblair, Balmenach, Knockdhu, Pulteney and Speyburn.
Interesting to note, Jim Murray, rates this Catto’s Rare whisky at 92 points and mentions that he likes to drink this at home. (Whisky Bible 2015 Edition).
Also Read: Bell’s Whisky
COLOUR: Light golden wheat
NOSE: Hints of raw alcohol surprisingly similar to the Speyburn I had a few weeks ago. Notes of honey, vanilla, fresh fruits and caramel.
PALATE: Medium body with some alcohol bite. There are lots of caramel sweetness balanced by a bit of cinnamon spice, malt, fresh-cut grass. Not very complex. Water softens the alcohol and releases more sweetness.
FINISH: Medium length ending on some cinnamon sweetness and pepper.
RATING: GOOD
Well, it is better than the Speyburn Bradan Orach whisky. I am not sure why Jim Murray would drink this at home if he has the whole of Scottish whiskies to choose from. Sadly, I found the Catto’s whisky a bit bland. The caramel sweetness is nearly overwhelming.
In South Africa this retails for around R300 and at the price range, there are many more decent blends from which to choose. This blend will probably be in my cupboard for quite a while…
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I love this honest review. x