Whiskey Red Hackle: history, review of taste and types

Elegant scotch “Red Hackle” already at the first meeting announces its belonging to the harsh world of the Scottish highlanders.

The image on the label (a headdress with a red feather and a blue-green checkered plaid) is nothing more than elements of the uniform of the famous Black Watch, famous for its valor and fearlessness.

It is noteworthy that the drink is produced not at all in the highlands, but on the territory of the Middle Scottish Lowlands – in the city of Glasgow.

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History of the Red Huckle brand

The “combat” brand was founded by former military personnel who went through the First World War together – Charles Hepburn and Herbert Ross. In 1920, while starting a whiskey blending company, fellow soldiers decided to create a scotch to commemorate their years in the Night’s Watch. Thus was born “Red Hackle” (“red feather”).

The well-balanced blend became popular not only at home, where it received the approval of the future King Edward XVIII (at that time the Prince of Wales), but also in the USA and Western Europe.

In 1928 Glasgow whiskey won gold at a competition in London. In the wake of the popularity of the product, other blends were created by fellow colleagues, but they failed to repeat the success of Red Hackle.

In 1959, two years after the death of Herbert Ross, Charles Hepburn sold the company, along with all its brands, to Robertson & Baxter (today The Edrington Group), determined to devote his life to more important things.

The former distiller became a collector and philanthropist, sponsoring Glasgow University and Zoo, the Scottish Rugby Union, Chimney Sweeps College (located across the street from Hepburn & Ross headquarters) and even founding the Red Hackle Orchestra.

The legendary scotch has lost its glory and is no longer extremely popular.

Tasting notes Red Hackle

For the production of “Red Hackle” use malt and grain spirits, aged in oak for at least 3 years.

  1. The blend has a bright amber hue with golden highlights, a pleasant citrus-vanilla aroma.

  2. The taste is soft, harmonious, with hints of green apple and nuts.

  3. Strength: 40%.

The drink is suitable for drinking with ice, in its pure form and as part of cocktails.

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Relevance: 21.05.2019

Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Scotch brands

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