Have you ever wondered if there is such a thing as a cheap single malt Scotch whiskey? The short answer is “yes,” but the real question should be, “is there a cheap single malt Scotch that is drinkable?” Well, McClelland’s Highland is a single malt Scotch whiskey bottled and distilled in Glasgow, and you might be able to find it in your local liquor store for around $20 (or $29 online). That’s about as cheap as they come, but is it drinkable? Enter the BoozeBasher crew with the answer.
McClelland’s Highland Scotch shines with a light gold color. When popping the cork and taking a wiff, you can sense the spiciness of the malt. There is a definite cinnamon and hazelnut fragrance with a light peatiness. There is just something about the scent that was a little repellent to us. I think it was the cinnamon. The other aromas struggle to overcome the cinnamon scent, which makes for a sharp and conflicting smell. It’s not at all what you would expect from a Highland Scotch, and the contrasting aromas present an unnatural and concerning bouquet. It was strange enough for me to question my first sip.
After taking that first sip on the rocks, I wish I had heeded the warning lights the aroma had flashed me. They claim the overpowering initial taste is that of the malt, but I would describe it as a spicy war of confusion. It’s like if you were to give two armies of blind soldiers with assault rifles and told them to take out one another. The taste is really all over the place, but nothing hits home in a positive way. I can catch a spiciness up front with a tinge of cinnamon, but the two flavors seem to diverge rather than compliment one other. You can also catch the peatiness they claim in the finish, but it isn’t a very satisfying taste. It’s a very “dirty” peaty taste that burns a slight bit on the way down, lingers, and worsens over time. After this taste finally does dissipate, there is a satisfying dry aftertaste that leaves you thirsty for more.
Don’t get me wrong, the taste of McClelland’s isn’t all bad; it just seems much less refined and much more harsh on the palette than it should be. If you are a fan of bold flavors, you might want to look elsewhere. The flavors in this malt are sharp, but I would not call them bold. After the finish, McClellland’s leaves me feeling that the whole tasting experience was a little bland. It seems a little awkward because of the flavor struggles and the slight burn. I guess when blind men go to war with assault rifles, there is going to be a lot of noise but very few concrete results.
After drinking the required four shots worth of McClelland’s Highland Scotch, there was no serious drunk. I had a firm, inquisitive buzz. Yes, I did say inquisitive. I went to college. I graduated. I can use words like that. For some reason, after drinking the four drinks of McClelland’s, I was more curious of my surroundings and eager to explore the outside world. I wasn’t very energetic or ready to go do any hardcore drinking, but I was really eager to go out and observe people and my surroundings. I can’t say that I saw many things that were all that interesting, but I would say that this might be a good liquor for you if you are a Scotch drinker on a budget who happens to be sick of your surroundings. You never know, this stuff might help you find a second wind.
The hangover from Mclelland’s Highland Scotch was noticeable. I had a pretty bad headache, but it vanished with the help of a little ibuprofen. I also has a general sense of frustration, and I hated life a bit more than I normally do. The hangover was nothing to make me swear off drinking for the millionth time, but I really didn’t like the grumpiness I had the next day. McClelland’s is definitely a better alternative than the bland and boring Cutty Sark, but there are better tasting blends out there than this cheap single malt. If you are on a budget and feel you must have a single malt Scotch, give McClelland’s Highland Scotch a try. However, I would throw in the extra $10-$12 for a much better one.
Sipability - 6.0
Mixability - N/A
Drunkability - 6.5
Hangover-ability - 5.5
Bang for the Buck - 10.0
Overall - 6.0 
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I tasted the McClelland’s first, and was really happily surprised.
Colour: straw/copper
Nose: Sherry, followed by honey and heather & Cinnamon
On tasting, the heathery notes stayed throughout, adding a sort of herbal sweetness to the whole experience. This is a spicy malt - almost like a Bourbon, but dominated by malty flavours underneath, rather than the sweeter corn derived flavour in bourbon. Finish has a sweet but dry sherry note
It is confirmed to be a 5 yr. old Glen Garioch. I experienced no hangover but serious cotton mouth. Water took care of it.
My favorite “cheap” single malt.
yeah i get it for 18$ and for that price you can’t beat it.
I’m not that knowledgeable about scotch, but this is WAY better than any Chivas I have ever tasted. Not quite as bold as the Glens, but it is super tasty and overall, very smooth. I’ll keep this around.
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