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Haig - The Dimple Pinch | Kevin Rye.net - Whisky

Kevin Rye

Geek Extraordinaire. Yeh, I said it.

Haig - The Dimple Pinch

Dimple, or "Pinch" as it's called in the US, is made by Haig. Their headquarters is in Glenrothes, Scotland; right where I was born. Petty cool. But not as cool as that signature bottle!

Check it out!

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The uniqueness of the bottle is so synonymous with the brand that Haig actually trademarked it. It's not just the uniqueness of the bottle that's appealing, but the box too. Both have a very nice presentation. The Dimple Pinch would make for a great gift; for any holiday or occasion. It's as if this whisky was designed to be given away!

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Haig used to ship their whisky in regular bottles like everyone else, but in 1893, Haig changed the design to something a little more distinct so they could stand out from the growing competition. It's based on an old navy bottle design. A three-sided bottle is a great thing to have at sea, but unfortunately, it's pretty uncomfortable to hold. Not to mention, it's pretty easy to drop. Sailors used to wrap their canteens with chicken wire to give them a better grip. The wire on The Dimple Pinch is a little head-nod to that tradition.
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The Dimple Pinch has a 15-year age statement on the bottle. I’ve seen The Dimple Pinch online for up to $55.00. You might think that’s a lot of money for a blended whisky, but Johnny Walker Gold (~18yr) is $70 bucks a bottle. Johnnie Walker Green 15yr was about $45. I paid $35.99, which is more in-line with what you'd pay for Johnnie Walker Black. The Dimple Pinch is 3 years older, so all things considered, it's actually cheaper.

On the nose, it’s clean and fresh. I smell honey and fruit cake. It tastes pretty smooth and is pretty well rounded. It’s a hint sweeter than Johnnie Walker. It’s supposed to have hints of mild spices, banana fruit, pear, apple, but I didn’t pick out any one particular outstanding flavor.

Don't get me wrong, it’s pretty good, but it’s no Johnnie Walker Black. It’s just not as sophisticated or well-polished. Actually, I think comparing it to Johnnie Walker Swing might be more of a fairer comparison. Swing still has that signature Johnnie Walker taste, but it's not as good as Black, but a little sweeter/better than Red.

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All-in-all, The Dimple Pinch makes for a great everyday whisky. It's easy to drink, and you wouldn't feel bad about mixing it with some ginger ale. I know I won't!