Pig's Nose Blended Scotch Whiskey 750ML

Pig's Nose Blended Scotch Whisky 750ML is a smooth, malt-rich blended Scotch bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 91 points and a Best Buy designation from Wine Enthusiast, it also holds a Gold medal from the International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Silver from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — serious hardware for a blend at this price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Scotland (Speyside, Highland, Islay, Lowland malts; Invergordon grain)  |  Style: Blended Scotch Whisky  |  Producer: Ian MacLeod Distillers

Production & Heritage

Pig's Nose takes its name from the old Scottish expression "as soft as a pig's nose," a promise of texture that the liquid works hard to deliver. The blend was created by Richard Paterson, Scotland's only third-generation Master Blender, and is produced by Ian MacLeod Distillers. It brings together five single malts — three from Speyside, one Highland, and one Islay — alongside grain whisky from the Invergordon distillery. Malt content sits at an unusually generous 40%, and every component is matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon American oak casks, a choice that pushes vanilla and honey to the fore while keeping the grain character clean and sweet rather than heavy.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Soft floral notes open first, followed by honey-soaked pear, toasted multigrain bread, and slivered almonds. A trace of fresh-cut cedar emerges underneath, with a delicate wisp of peat smoke appearing if you give the glass time.

Taste: The entry is gently sweet — light toffee and white chocolate blending with melon and orange peel. Mid-palate, grain character shows up as fresh hay and puffed oats, while a honey-forward sweetness carries through. Toward the peak, a thread of Islay smoke surfaces like gently grilled figs, adding savory depth without ever dominating.

Finish: The finish is short to medium, with peat becoming slightly more noticeable alongside cocoa nibs, walnut skin, and a hint of bitter charcoal. It fades quickly but leaves a pleasant sooty earthiness that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Pig's Nose

Neat with a few drops of water is the best way to unlock the floral and vanilla layers; a splash also coaxes out additional smokiness that hides at full strength. On the rocks, the blend remains balanced as it opens up.

• Highball: The clean grain character and gentle sweetness make Pig's Nose a natural fit with soda water and a lemon twist — refreshing without losing the malt backbone.
• Rob Roy: The honey-forward profile and touch of smoke complement sweet vermouth, creating a richer variation on this classic serve.
• Penicillin: The Islay component adds just enough smokiness to hold its own alongside fresh ginger and honey-lemon syrup without needing an extra float of peated malt.

Best For

• Introducing someone to blended Scotch beyond entry-level labels
• Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-ready Scotch
• Casual weeknight sipping when you want flavor without fuss
• Gifting a whisky drinker something distinctive they likely haven't tried

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pig's Nose taste like? Pig's Nose leads with honey, light toffee, and pear sweetness, supported by toasted grain and a gentle wisp of peat smoke from its Islay malt component. The overall impression is soft and approachable, with just enough complexity to keep things interesting.

How does Pig's Nose compare to Monkey Shoulder? Both are malt-forward blended Scotch whiskies positioned at a similar price point, but Pig's Nose tends to drink softer and sweeter with a subtle smoky edge from its Islay malt, whereas Monkey Shoulder leans more toward bold vanilla and spice from its all-Speyside vatting. If Monkey Shoulder feels a touch robust for mixing, Pig's Nose can be an easier-going alternative.

Is Pig's Nose good for cocktails? Yes — its high malt content gives it enough body to stand up in stirred drinks like a Rob Roy, while the clean grain whisky and gentle sweetness make it a strong Highball candidate. It mixes well without requiring a heavy hand.

Where is Pig's Nose made? Pig's Nose is produced by Ian MacLeod Distillers in Scotland, blending single malts from Speyside, the Highlands, and Islay with grain whisky distilled at the Invergordon distillery in the Scottish Highlands. All components are matured in first-fill American oak ex-Bourbon casks.

What foods pair well with Pig's Nose? Smoked salmon or trout, where the whisky's light peat echoes the smoke; aged cheddar or Gruyère, which mirrors its toffee and nutty notes; honey-glazed roasted pork, complementing the sweetness; dark chocolate with sea salt, matching the cocoa-nib finish; and shortbread or oat cakes, which harmonize with the grain character.

What sizes does Pig's Nose come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle, though availability of other formats may vary by market.

Is Pig's Nose worth the price? Pig's Nose positions as a value-tier blended Scotch that punches above its weight — the 91-point Best Buy rating from Wine Enthusiast and IWSC Gold medal reinforce that it delivers more complexity and malt richness than many blends at the same level.

Why Pig's Nose?

What separates Pig's Nose from the crowded blended Scotch shelf is its unusually high 40% malt content and the decision to mature every component — grain included — in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks. That combination, shaped by Richard Paterson's blending expertise, produces a whisky that genuinely lives up to its "soft as a pig's nose" tagline while still delivering layers of honey, fruit, and restrained smoke. The 91-point Best Buy score from Wine Enthusiast and an IWSC Gold medal confirm it as one of the better values in Scotch whisky, rewarding both neat sipping and creative mixing.